Peace

I was in New York City with my daughter for a few days last week. We did all the holiday things…along with ten million other humans. (Now that she lives there, it is fun to think of ourselves as locals and be annoyed with the tourists.)

However, I noticed that in a vast sea of humans, I felt a profound sense of peace. 

Lauren said she has had this same experience multiple times this semester. Her theory is that because it is so noisy, when there is a moment of quiet, you notice and appreciate it even more. 

This is what Christmas offers to us. 

The Middle East was chaotic 2000 years ago, yet peace was embodied in a whole new form. The kingdom of God was made visible. 

When we read Jesus’ words, “the kingdom of God is among you,” I feel him inviting us to see that even in the midst of chaos and shoving tourists, you are living in the kingdom of God. 

It’s all the kingdom of God. The menorah and the Christmas tree. The shopping lists and the nativity. The crowded table and the hospice bed. The chaos and the peace. 

We are souls here on earth having a human experience within the kingdom of God.

Being human is hard, but it is up to us see the kingdom of God at hand. 

As a teacher of peace, Jesus invited us to do inner work to experience peace. He reminded people see their own worthiness, the worthiness of others, and experience the love of God. 

Jesus offers us a way of living to find peace within ourselves amidst the challenges of being human. And if we are all working on inner peace, then we show up in the world as peace-offering humans. The ripple effect of that is powerful. 

Maybe our intention for this Christmas season can be to seek peace within and then we are more likely notice it around us. 

What brings you inner peace? Maybe time in nature, reading, sitting by the light of the tree, lighting a candle, soothing music, playing on the floor with a child, a pet on your lap, a nighttime soul stroll, or quiet moments of contemplation. Whatever it is for you, make that a priority this week. 

Peace is within you, just bring it up to the surface, sit with it, and then share it with others. 

And from Oh Holy Night…

May your soul feel its worth,