Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

Many of us who attend Christian worship services experience a sense of peace as we pray, kneel, and ask for forgiveness. However, peace can feel quite fleeting and temporary since we humans tend to be restless by nature. We experience conflict in our relationships and internally, often ruminating over fears and injustices. Basic human nature creates a restlessness as we seek novelty and forward movement in our lives, and our culture reenforces the go-go-go keeping us longing for, but not quite experiencing peace. Conflicts between nations over resources and territory, and deep divisions across groups of people based on religion and ethnicity make us wonder, is peace possible? For good reason, the second week of Advent asks us to focus on the theme of peace. It’s what we seek and pray for. It’s what we can and should practice in our own lives. The candle that we light is the Peace Candle reminding us of the promise that Christ will bring peace to a troubled world.

Why is peace the second Sunday in Advent?

The “Prince of Peace” taught non-violence and love of neighbor. There are promises of a peace that surpasses understanding and a world that will be harmonious. Advent asks us to ponder how we can be peacekeepers in our own lives and how we can advocate for peace in the world.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27

How Psychology Can Help Us Understand Peace

Psychology says that finding peace is a journey inward and involves cultivating a steady emotional state and sense of balance within yourself. Here are some tips for finding peace:

Pray for others: Offering prayers for others, both those we love and those we do not, helps us develop compassion.
Practice mindfulness: Acknowledge and accept your thoughts and emotions, seeking insight into what matters to you.
Practice being present moment: Using the five senses as focal points can be really helpful.
Develop good habits: Sleep, rest, meditate, walk, practice yoga, garden, or practicing gratitude.
Be kind and generous: Kindness can positively change your brain chemistry and mood.
Let go of what you can’t control: Forgive yourself and others to soothe negative feelings.
Create healthy rhythms of work and rest: Focus of what’s important, and make time to savor the moment and enjoy life.
Seek beauty and experiences of elevation and awe. This can be done by seeking God, enjoying nature, art, or music, or with helping others.

Desires for peace should spur us to offer peace

To offer peace to others, you can practice acts of kindness, actively listen to others, be respectful, forgive readily, offer a helping hand, speak with a gentle tone, engage in thoughtful communication, and promote understanding by considering different perspectives; essentially, strive to treat others with compassion and empathy, even when disagreements arise.

The Weeks of Advent

The Sundays of Advent have powerful themes for reflection. They are aspirational and operational. We can choose to pursue peace and practice offering peace to others by slowing our pace so that we can become more present and engaging in spiritual practices that calm us and connect us to what matters most. We have the power to contribute to a more peaceful world, but we have to start with ourselves. In the same way throughout Advent, we can become more hopeful for our sake and for the sake of others. We can practice and offer joy, and we can learn to understand ourselves as beloved so we can become better at offering love to others. Each week of Advent provides an opportunity to engage these themes in our prayers, practices, and daily lives.

Reflection: Advent Peace

What habits might offer you more peace this Advent season?
What beliefs support peaceful thoughts and feelings?
What actions do you need to take today to encourage and gain more peace?
How can you offer peace to others?