“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything , but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the Peace which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Of all the turbulent lives that have been lived on earth, St. Paul’s must be one of the most turbulent. Multiple shipwrecks, multiple arrests and beatings and imprisonments, virtually endless traveling, experiencing cold and heat, hunger, thirst, betrayal, and loneliness were the lot of the Pharisee apostle who preached the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

In each of his letters to individuals or congregations, Paul opens his letter with this: “Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul, who persecuted and imprisoned believers, had become an apostle of Peace when he himself experienced “the Peace that passes understanding” and wrote of it to the churches.

In the hectic hustle of the Christmas season everyone looks for moments of Peace andcalm, but Paul carried the mysterious Peace with him wherever he was. It was a gift he had received from Jesus himself.

At the Last Supper Jesus told of the Peace that his Spirit would convey to the disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Jesus’s Peace is a supernatural Peace , and it is a gift, a part of the new lives that the disciples will be living. It conveys the mysterious Peace that Elijah experienced in the midst of the earthquake and fire, the “still small voice” of God, (I Kings 19:12), the voice of Peace.

Peace in the Advent season can still be found. It is a gift God eagerly bestows. We have only to pick up His gift in the Bible and read the words of God’s own Son. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have Peace. In this world you will havetrouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Finally, in Advent it’s good to reread the story of the announcement of this wonderful Peace. “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth Peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

Love in Him,

Prue