MAKING ROOM FOR PEACE
Making Room for Peace
As Christmas nears, our family works together to make room in our living space for our Christmas tree strung with simple white lights and flocked with fake snow (which, by the way, gets all over everything). We strain and complain a little as we lug a big chair upstairs and move tables and lamps and decorations, all to create space for the beauty and celebration of Christmas to become the centerpiece of our home. We rearrange life, practically and metaphorically, to make room for Christmas at the center.
But life is bustling in this season, isn’t it? The presence and beauty of the Christmas tree doesn’t automatically make our hearts or minds present. Yet it offers a nightly invitation to engage in one of my favorite Christmas activities: turning off the competing glare of overhead lights, TVs, and screens, and sitting quietly in the glow of the tree’s light. In these moments, I allow the quiet to soak into my busy being. There’s something about slowing and lingering in the gentle light that brings peace to the soul.
“For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, CSB)
Jesus was called the Prince of Peace long before His birth. While on earth, He promised to leave us His peace—to give it to us (John 14:27). As Christmas approaches, we make room once again to welcome and celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. This year, as we celebrate Advent, may we not only make room to receive the Prince of Peace, but also respond to the invitation to turn down whatever competes with His light, slowing and lingering in the gentle glow of His peaceful presence among us. This may be as simple as taking a few minutes each night to sit in the light of your Christmas tree or Advent candles, making space for the light and peace of Jesus in and around you. However we choose to do it, may we create room to be present with the Prince of Peace and linger in the warmth of His gentle light in our souls.
How can you make room to be present with the Prince of Peace this Advent?
Where can you slow and linger in the gentle glow of Jesus’ peace this season?
Lord Jesus, thank you that your name is Peace—peace is who You are. Grant us the grace to notice and linger in the light of your presence this Christmas, receiving the peace you give so freely into our busy beings. May the beauty of this season that reflects your goodness and glory stir our hearts to worship You with gratitude and love. May Your face shine upon us and give us peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Find out more about Cheri Cochran (www.chericochran.com)