Advent - Week 2

Is “Peace on Earth” Possible?

Peace is the theme for the second week of Advent. Yesterday morning, Ron and I lit another purple candle on our Advent wreath. Called the “Bethlehem Candle,” it represents peace and recalls Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

Christmas Bells has become one of my favorite Christmas carols because of the story behind the words.

In 1863, civil war ravaged a polarized nation. The horrible war not only created opposition between the North and the South but often pitted father against son and brother against brother. Many tragic stories were created during the Civil War. One involved the American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

Reeling from the death of Fanny, his beloved wife, Wadsworth learned his son had been seriously wounded in battle. In the depths of loss and grief, he penned these words:

Christmas Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men! …

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said:
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Advent Prayer for Peace

Mighty, Trustworthy God,

The night Jesus was born, that band of angels declared a message of “Peace on Earth.”

As I look around and listen to news reports, it seems there is so little peace on earth these days.

Rather, war, violence, anger, and divisiveness rage within nations, communities, families, and even among those who believe in You.

Cynicism, conflict, and so very much fear often eclipse peace.

Lord, I confess sometimes I wonder, is peace on earth even possible?

Peal those “bells of peace” loudly, deeply within our souls this Advent season. The specific area of peace I am asking You for is ____________________________.

(fill in the blank)

Remind us, God, that You are not dead, and You do not sleep.

You care about our hurts. You hear our every prayer. You see our every tear.

Spirit of God, shine Divine light on truth.

Give me understanding and humility to realize when I am WRONG.

Grant me courage and grace to prevail in doing that which I discern is RIGHT.

Help me and all those praying today with me experience the incomprehensible peace Your angels declared that holy, long-ago night when You arrived—Immanuel, God who is with us. 

Amen

May your hearts be filled with peace this second week of Advent,

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