Pursue the peace that has no end. Read Isaiah 9:6-7. Advent is the time to prepare our hearts to receive the Christ Child born in Bethlehem. Every year, we are reminded that God is with us. This second week of Advent, we prepare our hearts with peace. Jesus said, “My peace I give you, my peace I leave with you.” (John 14:27) The prophet Isaiah described what to look forward to when writing about God sending a Messiah, the Anointed One, and the Deliverer. “For to us a child is born…And he shall be called…Prince of Peace.” The people of Israel during Isaiah’s time were experiencing great upheaval as the Assyrian army expanded south and was threatening Syria, Israel, and Judah. Israel had split into two nations after Solomon died. Israel was the north, and Judah was the south. King Uzziah had just died after ruling Judah for 52 years. During his reign, Judah experienced economic growth, military success leading to peace, and obedience to the worship of God in the Temple. Isaiah is in the Temple experiencing tremendous grief after the king’s death when God called him to be a prophet. These words from Isaiah 9 are often read during Christmas as a prophecy of the Messiah who would bring peace. Isaiah would have found peace in the midst of his grief, knowing that God had a plan to bring peace to the people. This new child that was to be born would become the new king: “the government will be on his shoulders.” This new king would bring what Uzziah could not bring: a peace with no end. Every year, we are reminded that Jesus was the baby sent from God to bring peace. The angels even announced to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all on whom God’s favor rests.” If you are lacking peace, pursue the peace that is found in Jesus. Jesus offers you peace that has no end.

God of Peace and Mercy, pour out your Holy Spirit on us that we might experience the fullness of your peace. By grace through faith, may we find peace in the deepest part of our grief. Amen.