12/12/2019
The words of the Advent wreath...Peace, Hope, Joy and Love. Isn’t that what all of us want or our lives? If we had those, could we feel like we had it all? I thought that I would spend my midweek blog for the next 4 weeks of December reflecting each week on one aspect.
Let’s light the candle of peace…
Peace too often is a word or concept of the absence of conflict or troubles. I believe that we seek much more than that when we ask for peace.
I believe that what we really desire is Shalom-peace. Shalom speaks to having harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity and tranquility. Is that what you desire? I know that is what I am asking for when I seek peace in my life...in my soul.
I don’t believe that shalom is humanly created or accomplished by us. I believe that this kind of shalom comes when we have a right relationship with God. I believe that this is a gift of the Holy Spirit and that we can only realize and receive this gift when we have that relationship with God. What does it take for this kind of relationship? A stillness...an openness...an availability.
So during this crazy season of parties, shopping and decorating...if you want peace, shalom peace, remember to take time to be available, to be open and to be still.
I know that this hymn is a very old hymn for in fact it is as was written by Frances Ridley Havergal in the 1800’s but I can’t help but feel the poetic words beautifully describe shalom peace as I believe we desire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhLti2q0lCo
May your life be filled with peace, shalom, this Advent season. Pastor Patti
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Here is a transcript of the prayer I prayed at the end of yesterday’s sermon.
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