As December progresses and the warmth of a Southern Hemisphere Christmas envelops us, our journey through Advent continues. This second week, we light the Advent candle of peace, reflecting on the preparations that lead to the celebration of Christ’s birth—a festive season marked not by the chill of winter, but by the vibrant life of summer.
In the narrative of Jesus’ coming, we find numerous instances of preparation. John the Baptist’s call in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him,” (Mark 1:3) reminds us of the spiritual preparations necessary to welcome Christ into our hearts and homes. Just as John prepared the way, we too are called to prepare our lives, not just our surroundings.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas arrives with the buzz of summer activities—beaches bustling with families, parks filled with laughter, and homes filled with the scent of barbecues. Amid these joyful preparations, we seek moments of peace that transcend the busy season. This peace is not the absence of activity but the presence of a serene spirit amidst the celebrations.
This week, let’s focus on creating peaceful spaces in our lives where we can reflect on the meaning of Christ’s coming. It could be a quiet corner of the garden, a shaded spot under a tree in a local park, or even a peaceful morning moment before the day begins. In these spaces, reflect on the peace Christ brings: peace that calms our storms, settles our uncertainties, and soothes our busy minds.
As we engage in the usual Christmas preparations—decorating our homes, planning festive gatherings, and ticking off shopping lists—let’s intertwine these activities with spiritual preparation. How can we cultivate peace in our interactions and decisions? How can we make our homes centers of tranquility and joy?
Moreover, let’s extend this peace beyond our personal lives. This season is an opportunity to foster peace in our communities. Whether it’s through volunteering, reconciling strained relationships, or simply spreading kindness and understanding, our actions can mirror the peace of the Prince of Peace.
As we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christmas in our sunlit surroundings, let us remember that the true essence of preparation is to make room in our lives for the peace of Christ. This peace is the anchor of our festivities and the true heart of our summer Christmas celebrations.
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