The Gift of strength and peace
The Very Rev. Sandy Key
As we begin the first week of the Advent season, we find ourselves in a time of anticipation and reflection. Each year, the cultural and commercial hustle for Christmas arrives earlier, often overshadowing the profound spiritual significance of this season. In the midst of our preparations, we frequently forget to pause and contemplate the deeper meanings behind the promise of the Christ child. Therefore, I invite you to slow down, set aside the task of trimming the tree, and reflect on the words from Psalm 29:11: “The Lord shall give strength to His people; the Lord shall give His people the blessing of peace.”
The Psalmist beautifully reminds us of two essential gifts from God: strength and peace. These gifts are deeply desired in a world that often feels chaotic, uncertain, and filled with animosity towards anything different. As we journey through these four weeks of Advent, let us explore how these gifts are intertwined with the message of waiting for the Christ child.
As we reflect on our lives, we may recognize areas where we feel weak: challenges in our personal lives, struggles with faith, or the burdens of anxiety and fear. Advent invites us to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and surrender them to God rather than ignore them.
In our weakness, God’s strength can shine through, illuminating paths we might not have seen before. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “My grace … is made perfect in weakness.” St. Paul encourages us to lean into our struggles and seek God’s empowering presence. Through our trials, we can develop a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit, leading to a transformative strength that can only come from Christ Jesus.
In the coming days of this season, we will witness how God prepared the world for the birth of Jesus through the humble circumstances of Mary and Joseph. Their journey was filled with challenges, yet their obedience and trust exemplified a strength rooted in faith—a faith that granted them peace through that strength.
The Advent season invites us into a deeper relationship with God. I encourage you to set aside time each day for quiet reflection, allowing God’s voice to fill your life's overwhelming or even empty spaces. Light an Advent candle and identify areas where you need strength or seek peace. Reflect on how Jesus embodies these gifts and how His example can inspire our lives. Hold fast to Psalm 29:11 as we allow them to inspire our spiritual journey. May we find strength in our weaknesses and become conduits of peace in a world that desperately needs it.
