Advent Week 2 – The Achievability of Peace in a Peaceless World

Miller’s Station United Methodist Church

December 7, 2025

Anchor Verse: Isaiah 11:6 – 9

This is my message to Miller’s Station UMC for 12/7/25.

 Opening

There is a notable video featuring the theorist Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy.  In this video, Ellis discusses cognitive distortions, emphasizing one in particular. He explains to his audience that many problems arise from self-imposed expectations—what he refers to as “shoulding all over ourselves” Throughout my training as a therapist, I have viewed several of these recordings and observed Ellis’s distinctive approach to conveying therapeutic concepts.

As we gather for this second week of Advent, our hearts turn toward the theme of peace—a longing deep within every soul and a promise woven throughout Scripture. But how do we truly experience peace in a world that so often feels anything but peaceful?

As a contemplative, I have found that individually, finding peace starts by looking inward (being almost 50 does not hurt either). One of the greatest obstacles to peace is not always the chaos that surrounds us, but the unrest we nurture within. How many of us carry the heavy burden of self-imposed expectations? How often do we find ourselves restless, anxious, or dissatisfied because we are “shoulding” ourselves into exhaustion—measuring our worth by impossible standards we never agreed to? God never called us to perfection; He calls us to faithfulness, to trust, and to rest in His love.

This Advent, I invite you to consider how laying down these unrealistic demands can open our hearts to the peace Christ longs to give. When we relinquish the pressure we place on ourselves, we create sacred space for genuine tranquility to blossom. This is not just about individual well-being; it is about transformation. For as Christ’s peace takes root in our hearts, it radiates outward—shaping the way we encounter one another, how we listen, forgive, and serve. This then becomes contagious, spreading to those around us.

Jesus offers “Peace I Give You”

In John 14:27, Jesus offers a courageous and confident promise of peace to His followers. He states, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This message emphasizes that the peace Jesus provides is different from worldly peace. Jesus emphasizes an inner peace; he challenges us elsewhere to not worry. Let us take for a moment to reflect on what it means for the peace Jesus offers to be a gift rooted in His divine nature. How does thinking of this peace as coming from Jesus himself change the way you understand or experience it? I challenge you to contrast the peace that comes from Jesus with the temporary or superficial peace the world sometimes provides, especially in this season of gift giving and plastic promises of cheer and wellbeing.

In Jesus, we see how his version of peace is different than worldly peace. It is not an end to war, civil unrest, or family conflict. It is the establishment of an inner peace that becomes contagious.  I have written several times on the topic of peace. As a contemplative who has practiced some sort of mindfulness for the last 30 years, I can attest that it is not easy. To calm an anxious mind is like calming a wildfire. This has only become more problematic with the invention of social media and devices that keep us locked into to being anxious 24-7.

Someone who inspires me greatly when it comes to thinking about peace is Thich Nhat Hahn, a Buddhist Monk who writes a beautiful book on peace.  Thich Nhat Hanh teaches how everyday challenges, like traffic or dirty dishes, can help us practice mindfulness. He says real joy and fulfillment are found in the present moment, with each breath and even in simple acts like smiling. Hahn believes that when we understand our feelings, they start to change. He encourages us to be aware and act on what we see, reminding us that we’re all connected and responsible for what happens around us.

Smiling is important, too. Science shows that a real smile uses specific muscles and often makes others smile back. A genuine smile shows true happiness and can’t be faked. Hahn suggests keeping smile reminders nearby, like a flower or a favorite photo, I have a picture of my wife and me on my lock screen of my phone and a picture of my family on my home screen. On my desk at work, I have a very silly photo of my wife when we were younger. He also invites us to sit and be present wherever we are, so we can respond to life calmly and clearly.

When we truly embrace the peace that Jesus offers, it becomes a steady anchor in times of trouble. Instead of being swept away by fear or anxiety, we remember His words: “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This assurance doesn’t mean challenges suddenly disappear, but it does mean we are not alone or unsupported as we face them. Faith in Christ’s peace gives us the strength to pause, breathe, and trust that God is present—even in moments of confusion or hardship.

For anyone struggling today, know that Jesus’ peace is not reserved for perfect circumstances. It is available right now, in the midst of whatever you’re facing. Invite Him into your worries—ask for His peace to settle your heart. Trust that, even when life feels uncertain, His love and presence will sustain you. In this Advent season, let faith in Christ’s peace guide you through every challenge, illuminating the path with hope and serenity.

The Advent Take Away

As we journey deeper into Advent, let us move beyond the excitement of the season’s announcement and contemplate its challenge: the invitation to welcome peace, both personally and collectively. Peace starts with love and responsiveness. Not defensiveness and reactiveness. Nobody wins when we insist on our cultural, religious, or national superiority. If you turn on the news right now, you will be bombarded with an us versus them mentality. The migrants, the LGBTQ+, the fill in the blanks person who does not fit our cultural norm. And if you take a stand against it, you are “woke”, unfaithful, ungrateful, or un-American. In therapy speak, we are bombarded right now with a lot of defensiveness. Defensiveness is often met with more defensiveness, criticism, contempt, and stonewalling. We must turn towards a posture of love and acceptance.

Love is often misunderstood and depicted as a mere plot device in our culture. Yet, in the context of relationships, love is an active, life-sustaining posture—an ongoing commitment to mutual understanding and awareness. Both individuals participate intentionally, attuned to shifts in emotional energy, moods, and thoughts. The relationship thrives through carefully asked questions and a spirit of endless curiosity. Importantly, this posture of love is not limited to romantic partnerships. As Christians, we are called to extend this same intentional love to everyone we encounter, cultivating an attitude of peace through our openness and engagement.

When we embrace acceptance—toward ourselves and others—we become instruments of God’s peace. Our communities transform as we choose understanding over judgment, compassion over criticism, and love over fear. This is how Advent’s message comes alive: not just as a promise we await, but as a gift we are called to embody. Through God’s grace, may we become people through whom peace flourishes, revealing the hope and light of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Amen.

Charge and benediction

Go now in hope to bear Christ’s light into those places shrouded with darkness.

Go now in peace to extend hands of friendship to those who feel lost and estranged.

Go now in joy to proclaim release to the captives and good news to the poor.

Go now in love To welcome the birth of God’s own Love into the world. And as you go, may Christ’s grace uphold you, God’s love empower you, and the Spirit’s light guide your way, now and forevermore. Amen.

Advent Wreath Prayer Week 2 — Peace

Beneficent Creator, You are the God who gives peace. This second week of Advent causes us to remember that because of Jesus we can experience inner peace and  a Christmas free from turmoil and chaos. Regardless of our circumstances or our situations, you offer us peace that passes understanding