Anxiety has been a frequent knot in my stomach that won’t release. “Mami, take a deep ‘bref'” my two-year-old coaches me. A bit frustrating as I’ve been anticipating this week’s Advent theme: peace.

I can tell you what doesn’t feel peaceful lately: A jam-packed calendar, a traveling husband, traffic, yelling at the girls to hurry up (again), buying more cookies for that thing at so-and-so’s, the classroom project, volunteering, and unanswered emails. Have you been feeling it, too?

But Jesus won’t give me peace outside himself and his will. Oof. So now what, Lord? You have my attention.

An invitation to reflect.

Am I doing things out of obligation? People pleasing? Things I “should” do this season? Traditions that worked in the past but don’t serve me now? ‘Tis the season! Or is it? 

Am I doing things for Jesus or with him? I’m doing too much. 

Slow down, dear heart.

Jesus once said to a well-meaning, busy soul like myself, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:41-42).

What is Christmas in its most simple, miraculous form? Emmanuel. God with us. The long-expected Messiah arriving on a quiet night. Treasured ponderings in a new mother’s heart. Straggly shepherds getting an angelic greeting:

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger… Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:11-12, 14

How can we get our hearts to receive that peace? Release. Repent. Receive the blessing. The answers to those three things may be different for each of us. That’s ok. Jesus meets us where we are. 

Lord, I want to prepare my heart for you this season. Help me make room for you. I want to make space for others to do that also.

Imagine Jesus gently clasping your hands and looking into your eyes. He sees you. He knows you. He loves you. Soak in that love. Soak in the peace of his presence. As you rest, what is he asking you to release? What do you need to repent of? And what is the blessing he wants you to receive? 

I bless you with the peace of Christ, that surpasses understanding, may his favor rest on you and carry you through this Advent season.

5 Advent Verses about Jesus is Our Peace 

These are promises from the Old Testament about the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)

“Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”

Micah 5:4–5a (NIV)

“He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
And he will be our peace.”

Zechariah 9:9–10 (NIV)

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
and the warhorses from Jerusalem,
and the battle bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.”

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

“But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.”

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.