Weeks of Illumination

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

Exploring the Advent Wreath: Part Three

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.
-John 14:27

Peace

We move now to the second candle of the advent season – the candle of peace. This candle is generally lit during the second week of advent. Here, we listen to the words of the angel in Luke chapter 2:

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
-Luke 2:10-14

The angel proclaimed such peace to the shepherds in Bethlehem who went quickly to investigate the claims of the angel. The Lord of all creation lied there in a manger. Wrapped in swaddling cloth was that child who brings a peace that surpasses all understanding. Through him, nations will turn their eyes upon the one true God.

“Wrapped in swaddling cloth was that child who brings a peace that surpasses all understanding. ”

The peace that he imparts to us take many forms. Most importantly, he gives us peace with God. When sin entered the world, we became estranged from our creator. Where there used to be trust and love there is now fear and faithlessness. The incarnation and work of Jesus takes away all of the sin of the world, that we now are at peace with God. Upon the cross he bore the weight of sin, even unto death. In him we are justified, accepting the free gift of salvation through faith in him (Romans 5:1-2). Thus, the terror of the law and the fear and anxiety it produces is rendered void in light of the work of Christ, putting us at peace that we are truly forgiven. This peace with God overflows in our hearts and spills out to our relationships with one another. When we have been justified by faith in Christ, it truly changes our hearts so that we are able to make peace with one another – forgiving others in light of the same forgiveness we have received from God.

This week in advent is a meditation on this peace we have received from above through Jesus Christ, a peace that cannot be described by words – only experienced through the redemptive power of the Holy Spirit, which renews our mind, body, and soul. In him, the marred image of God is restored in each one of us and granting us eternal life in his name.

Article written by Drew Matz

A native of Southeastern Ohio, Drew moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he earned an MA in Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary, cultivating a love for Historical Theology and Biblical Languages. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Franklin University. Being from the Appalachian Foothills, Drew is passionate about the outdoors and the natural wonder it inspires. Drew currently resides in Fort Wayne with his wife and daughter.