Advent blessings to you.
I pray today is filled with peace for you. For many of us peace feels far away. For some of us, finals are looming. Some of us are filled with grief as we face the holidays without a loved one. Some of us are listening to the news filled with injustice, violence, torture, and fear and wondering what peace would even look like in our world. Some of us are feeling our stress levels rise as we try as to settle all the details of making the “perfect Christmas”. I pray today that we all hear God whispering to us, “peace, be still”.
Today’s devotional comes from Brad Hancock. Brad is the Director of the very successful Neeley Entrepreneurship Center here at TCU. He cares deeply for his students who he empowers to be leaders in our world. Brad is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Columbia University. Prior to joining TCU, Brad was a management consultant and a successful entrepreneur. Brad is an active volunteer in our community and in his church and dedicates much of his time to eldercare in our society. Today he reminds us that peace doesn’t come from a calm quiet world around us. The peace of God comes from deep inside us. Peace is the knowledge that God is with us always. May you hear God whispering peace into your life through his words.
Peace to you,
Rev. Allison Lanza
TCU Associate Chaplain
An Advent Devotional, by Dr. Brad Hancock
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
All I really want is for my children to be happy … at least that is what I used to say.
However, life is not always “happy.” There is sickness and pain. There are broken relationships. There are problems and disappointments; many we never dreamed could occur. Bad things do happen, often to very good people, and we struggle to understand why.
I’ve come to the realization that none of us can always be “happy.”
So, what I pray for my children now is that no matter the circumstances, no matter what troubles are swirling around them, I want my children to be at peace.
To know that even when there are challenges – and there will be – that God is with them and provides a refuge that cannot be found in the world. I pray for them to have a peace that comes from a loving and kind God, peace of heart and mind.
Let us pray
During this Advent season, I wish you joy and happiness. But more importantly, my Christmas wish is that you have peace of mind and heart, no matter the situations and circumstances of your life.
Peace be with you, both now and forever. Amen.
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