Peace on Earth: Fourth Monday of Advent

There! They're at it again. "'Ark, the errol hygel sings".... Boxing Day [December 26] is only two and a half weeks [away]; then perhaps we shall have a little quiet in which to remember the birth of Christ.
~ C.S. Lewis, "Delinquints in the Snow," God in the Dock, p310

It seems that Lewis was annoyed by a caroler with a thick Cockney accent. Even the best of intention can grate on someone's nerves during the holidays. With a couple more weeks of carolers, it seems that Lewis will have to put with the Welsh singers, at least until after Boxing Day. Here's a great description of what Boxing Day is all about - this comes from the devotional that we have been basing this series on:

The day in which the English give their gifts is Boxing Day, a public holiday that falls on the first weekday after Christmas. In the past, the English exchanged gifts among equals on Christmas Day, and gave gifts to those "socially inferior" on the day after, probably wrapped in boxes; hence, the name "Boxing Day." It is also known in England as St. Stephen's Day, named after the first Christian martyr. (pg25)

For us, many of the celebrations that have been tagged onto the Christmas season have the good intention of making the holidays more merry and festive. But they can also make the schedule more busy, the noise more annoying, and the peace and quiet more elusive. It may be a bit ironic, but the key to a more celebrative Christmas may include less noise and events, not more. I suppose it depends on your schedule and attitude - if you can only observe Christmas with noise and events, then you may be missing the peace that is at the heart of the "holy day."

If you want peace on earth, it won't come to you because all noise and busyness and conflict has been muffled. You must find a way to choose peace in the midst of turmoil and disruption. You must choose a place and a time where you will experience peace. And you must learn to discipline your mind so that you can keep at bay all the frothing emotions that get ramped up with expectations and disappointments. Peace on earth is a gift because it is so rare; but it's a gift that is received through choices we make with the trouble we have.

Jesus was born into turmoil, he grew up in a land rampant with revolutionary ideals and violent suppressions. He walked the land as a rabbi, fostering accusations of blasphemy, sedition, and whoremongering. Amidst all the hubbub, the crowds, the expectations, and the family disappointments, Jesus made a point to make peace on earth. He didn't have peace in his heart because he had no problems to contend with, but rather because he focused his energies on his Father. We have the same Father in Heaven who is present with us and always ready to help us experience peace amidst conflict.

This Christmas may be conflict-free for you. No problems for you. But you have friends and family who have their share of burdens, and they need you to help carry them. With your situation, your strengths, you have the opportunity to help them find peace on earth. And if you are the one in the midst of hardships, in the midst of craving peace on earth, pray that God would send you friends to help. And if he has sent those friends, let them help. And if they are helping, continue to be thankful for the answered prayers of peace.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given....
And he will be called...Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9v6 (NIV)

Peace is a difficult choice, but it is the better one. The Same Spirit of Christ that brought peace on earth all those years ago, it's the Same Spirit open to you today. May the peace of Christ be confidently chosen by you.

Christ above you,
Christ below you,
Christ before you,
Christ behind you,
Christ around you,
Christ within you.