A candle of peace
By CHERYL CRUCE
On the second Sunday of the Advent season, the candle of peace flickered in sanctuaries across this great nation. As a couple from our congregation read the meaning of peace and the correlating scripture, I wondered how we could celebrate peace in a not-so-peaceful world. Then my mind drifted to the peaceful time of my youth – a time when innocence shielded me from the truth of the world.
It is incredible what the innocence of childhood recalls. I remember a three-bedroom, one-bath house built by Dad. I recall a pink sidewalk he made especially for our mother. Dad embellished one end of the concrete walkway with multi-colored marbles that spelled our last name. The word “welcome” placed near the front door entrance greeted family, friends, and strangers.
Looking back, I do not remember the struggles that must have happened over one bathroom or the shared bedrooms among five siblings. However, I remember the hours my brother Lonnie and I spent trying to free just one marble from that pink walkway. Sibling rivalry has escaped my memory even though I am sure it was present. I know there must have been disagreements; nevertheless, my memory only recalls a dinner table of laughter and quiet, peaceful evenings.
Whoever said, “you cannot go home again,” must have been referring to the innocence of youth and not the lessons learned. From childhood, I have chosen to remember the good of family, putting away the disagreements and hurt that may have happened. Recalling harm creates a grudge that builds an undue burden in life—focusing on what is noble and pure is the better course. Concentrating on what is praiseworthy invites the God of peace into my life (Philippians 4:8-9). The God of peace desires to dwell with you also.
Peace is not a concept of the world but a belief within man’s heart. Peace of God is a choice. At any given time, a news broadcast is ready to fill the airways with disheartening reports of doom and destruction coming against our world. Still, we light the candle. We do so because our hope is found in the Prince of Peace and not in the world. Isaiah 9:6 tells of a child born, a son given, who is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.
The
birth of Jesus affords us the choice of a peaceful spirit, a peace that surpasses all understanding. John Wesley said, “God’s grace is immeasurable, His mercy inexhaustible, and His peace inexpressible.” We cannot measure the grace of God that has given us renewed life through His Son, Jesus. Nor can we understand the boundless mercy that comes from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. On the other hand, we cannot explain the peace in knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is a peace only known to a believer.
I am not naïve in thinking that belief in Jesus will erase our troubles. Unfortunately, that is the world in which we live. However, I have learned there is no better friend I can talk to. Indeed, we cannot go home again – childhood innocence has faded. Yet we can walk in peace because we believe in a Kingdom beyond this world where darkness and violence do not exist.
Jesus said He is preparing a place for all who believe, a home of peace. Nonetheless, until that day, let us walk in the peace of His spirit.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.