Good morning! Our advent devotional for today comes to us from Merianne Roth, who serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor in the division of Marketing & Communications. Merianne is no stranger to many of you, as her warm presence and genuine smile invite everyone around her into relationship. In getting to know Merianne I’ve had the great pleasure of learning how important her faith is to her and how freely she shares it with others. In this busy time of year I think you’ll find that her words invite you to hit pause, reflect, and find that inner PEACE that we all need. Blessings on your day and the weekend ahead…
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and shalom will be with you.
Jude 1:2
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
Finding peace during the Advent season seems like it should be easier as we anticipate with hope and joy, the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, life somehow gets in the way of quiet prayer, meditation and repentance, no matter how hard we try to make time to prepare and to worship. There’s always more to be done – more celebrating, more studying, more socializing, more work.
One way I find peace is to think about all I’ve been given and express gratitude. If I can calm my mind to focus on those things that matter most, like my children, husband, family and friends, I can find peace. Even in the middle of the day between meetings, a few moments of clearing my mind to focus on the beauty found in the world, or the many blessings I’ve enjoyed, offers a moment for gratitude and ultimately, peace.
This year has been a difficult one with the loss of my dear grandmother and dear friends. It brings me comfort to know they are at peace once again. Even in loss, If I can make my way back to being grateful for the gift of their lives, I find peace.
Let us pray.
God of mercy,
In this moment, grant me Peace that only You can give.
Grant me Peace that comes from knowing all that I love, You first made precious.
Grant me Peace that demonstrates You hold each of us and we are wonderfully Yours.
Amen.
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