Advent week two! Updates: Still single. Still ready to go home. (In case you were wondering.)

The second theme of Advent is peace. Peace has been a major topic of conversation in my home, you will find out later why that is.

As I have been pondering peace and looking into the difference between the world’s idea of peace and the Christian understanding of peace,  I came across something very interesting. From a Biblical standpoint on peace, there will never be peace without justice.

Look at Isaiah 59:8: The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.

“O Holy Night” is my very favorite Christmas song, and this Christmas season I cannot get over one particular part:

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His Name, all oppression shall cease

You’re kidding yourself if you don’t think slavery and oppression are happening in our world today. I just heard Christine Caine talk about the A21 Campaign, her organization that helps free people from sex trafficking all over the world. From their website: “There are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history, with an estimated 27 million in bondage across the globe.”

Peace is so, so, so much more than a happy feeling. It is so much more than just feeling “at peace” about your current life stage. Peace is the person of Jesus Christ, and in His name (and ONLY His name) all oppression will cease. If we want peace in our world, which we typically say we do (especially beauty queens, for whatever reason), we have to fight for justice. I’m living these days with a heightened expectation and anticipation of the day when Jesus will bring full and complete justice and peace to our world.

Those lines in that song make me want to actually fall on my knees, because I’m so devastated by the oppression in our world and so desperate for the Peace of Jesus. I want them to be a reality. I want peace to be a powerful presence in our world now. I’d encourage you to think about what steps you are taking to bring justice and peace to people around the world, or in your neighborhood.

I’d like to leave you with this: Last weekend my dear friend and roommate preached at her church on peace (She didn’t just talk about it. She PREACHED, people.). It was amazing, and she asked me to write a prayer of peace to share. I thought I would add it here for you to enjoy as well. 🙂

Peace is a gift to be received, may we receive it today.

Peace is here, and Peace is coming.

Peace is a person, and His name is Jesus.

When we are anxious, may Peace be our comfort.

When we are unsure, may Peace be our teacher.

When we are lost, may Peace be our guide.

When we are hurting, may Peace be our healing balm.

Peace is here, and Peace is coming.

May Peace be our sword in a world filled with conflict and heartache.

May Peace be our shield when life is harsh and lonely.

May we remember that Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the ability to live wholly and completely in our present circumstance.

Peace is here, and Peace is coming.

In the waiting, He is our anticipated Peace.

In the struggle, He is our Prince of Peace.

In the incomprehensible, He is our Peace that passes understanding.

In the injustice, He is our covenant of Peace.

In the longing, He is our Perfect Peace.

May we know Jesus, our only Source of Peace.

Peace is here, and Peace is coming.