Discovering peace in uncertain times

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? It seems like we are surrounded by noise, confusion and agitation. Advent shows us we aren’t the first to feel this way. It shows us that our peace is not dependent on our circumstances, but on trust. Discovering peace in uncertain times is a matter of faith.

The first Christmas was full of uncertainty

In Matthew 1-2, we read about the circumstances of Jesus’ birth. In addition to being born while his mother was unmarried, the family traveled to Bethlehem while Mary was still very pregnant. There was not a room to stay in and she gave birth in the barn with the animals. Just this is a lot to take in, but then kings from far away come to visit and leave gifts. The ruler, Herod, hears about this new rival king and orders all the children Jesus’ age killed. Mary and Joseph take Jesus and flee to Egypt. It’s hard to imagine a more uncertain beginning of marriage and parenthood.

Things are not always as expected

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

Luke 1:30-33

What would you have expected? Mary knows her son, Jesus, will be great and will inherit the throne of her ancestor, David. She knows he will rule forever. Is there any reference for a king being born in a humble manger? When the magi came to visit with their gifts, it’s easy to imagine how perplexed Mary and Joseph must have been. But when Herod decides to murder all of the young children, it seems a strange beginning for the Son of the Most High.

Mary and Joseph weren’t the only ones to receive unexpected news. Shepherds were in the fields tending the sheep when an angel appeared and said, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

Once the shepherds find the newborn king, “they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:17-19) The shepherds were amazed. Mary pondered their words. Israel had waited for 400 years for their King and now he was here…but in such an unexpected way.

What is peace anyway?

Peace can be defined in many ways. One way is a state of tranquility or quiet. Another is freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. And yet another is a pact or agreement to end hostilities. What does peace mean to you? What do you expect when you anticipate the coming of the Prince of Peace on Christmas?

Each of us would answer this question based on our own life experiences or the place we find ourselves in at the moment. We might be mourning the loss of a loved one and wish for peace from the discomfort of grieving. We might be battling depression or anxiety and wish for peace in our own minds. Or we can look around us at the war, famine and suffering and pray for peace in this world. Whatever our definition of peace may be, we all are searching for relief or respite in different ways. So, what if we pondered the meaning of Jesus’ birth like Mary did?

Peace may be disguised

When we look at Christmas from the point of view of those who experienced it, it seems anything but peaceful. They were waiting for a king. They received a child born in a manger and visits from angels proclaiming him to be the long-awaited Messiah. And just when everyone is trying to figure it all out, Mary and Joseph return to Nazareth and we wait to see what will happen next.

Wait! What is going on? We read of angels, magi, even King Herod realizing that something momentous has occurred. The Prince of Peace is here. With all these miraculous signs and reassurances of “do not fear,” it seems as if something is about to happen. And it is…just not as anyone can imagine. The paradox of Christmas is that it is the beginning of Easter. In order for us to have everlasting peace, this baby is also the Christ who will die for our sins.

In his song, Mary Did You Know? Mark Lowry captures the mystery in a powerful way.

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary did you know. Ooo Ooo Ooo
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

by Mark Lowry

As we celebrate Christmas, let us be amazed like the shepherds and ponder what this all means like Mary. And let us wrap ourselves in the mystery and paradox of the coming of the Prince of Peace. Jesus has come to deliver us. The Prince of Peace is here; and he will provide whatever peace you yearn for, but it may be delivered in unexpected ways. So, take heart and have a blessed Christmas, everyone.