Advent is a season of waiting—a time of anticipation for the celebration of Christ’s birth and the fulfillment of God’s promises. In the midst of the busyness and brokenness of our world, Advent reminds us of a profound truth: Emmanuel, God with us, brings peace.
Peace can feel elusive, especially in times of uncertainty and chaos.
Our hearts long for stability and assurance when everything around us seems fragile. But the peace that Emmanuel offers isn’t tied to circumstances. It’s not the fleeting calm of an orderly day or the temporary relief of a solved problem. The peace of God is rooted in God’s presence—steady, unchanging, and near.
The prophet Isaiah declared, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us … and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This is the promise of Advent: a Savior who ushers in peace, not by erasing conflict, but by transforming our hearts and minds. Emmanuel—God with us—is the peace that quiets our fears, heals our divisions, and assures us of God’s unending love.
This peace is also an invitation.
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Peace is not just a gift to receive but a practice to embrace. When we trust God with our anxieties, turning to prayer and gratitude, we open ourselves to the peace that transcends logic and circumstance.
Horatio Spafford penned the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” in the wake of a shipwreck that killed his four little girls, and nearly took his wife’s life, too. Peace, like a river, attendeth my soul, not because of any worldly circumstance, but because of Emmanuel, God with us. Spafford’s story reminds us that the peace of God is not defeated by the tragedies we endure. It is a peace that holds us together when life feels like it’s falling apart.
God’s peace is not about the absence of chaos; it is about God’s presence with us in the chaos.
The peace God offers is not passive. It is active. It meets us in our pain and transforms us.
May this Advent season be a time for you to experience the fullness of God’s peace. May you find rest in the promise of Emmanuel—God with us. May the Prince of Peace reign in your heart, guiding you to be a peacemaker in a world longing for hope.
More Like This from Beth:
- Advent Is Like An HGTV Show It’s All About the Big Reveals
- The Irony of A Too Busy Advent
- Yes, Mary Knew
To hear the sermon this blog post is based on, click here.