Finding the Prince of Peace
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
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Well, it’s another week of Advent. We on the pastoral staff are prepping for Sunday’s new theme... and I woke up grumpy today.
My calendar is so slammed full of events.
My to-do list is a mile long.
And as I write this on December 8th, My house is messy and I still haven’t bought a single Christmas gift yet. Yikes!
I woke up this morning thinking about all I have to do and how I’m already feeling behind this holiday season. (Don’t worry—after a cup or two or three of coffee, I’m feeling a little more optimistic.)
Christmas is a time when we celebrate the goodness of God’s incarnation, the best gift ever, marked by time with loved ones. And yet, so often it can be a time that exacerbates our stress, our grief, even our family conflict.
I think of Clark Griswold, Chevy Chase’s character in the comedy Christmas Vacation. Clark has an idyllic picture in his head of a Norman Rockwell kind of Christmas— having the perfect Christmas tree, the best Christmas decorations, the perfect holiday spread of food, and a peaceful reunion with extended family. If you’ve seen the movie, you know it isn’t what he gets. Family drama, unexpected guests, and burnt turkey all contribute to a stressed out holiday season.
Those of us who work or volunteer in church ministry can fall prey to this type of stress and frustration at the holidays as we work so hard to help facilitate the perfect holiday worship services and programming. Sometimes as we sit in worship, our minds are filled with logistical details rather than savoring the moment or pausing to commune with God.
If you are like me, getting caught up in the hustle and bustle, the consumerism, even the well-intended busyness of this season, take some time to intentionally seek the Prince of Peace this week. Set aside a moment or two to meditate on the Gospel readings of this season, and remember that while family and feasting are important markers of this time of year, they are not the reason for the season. The true reason we celebrate is because God is with us and THAT is no small thing.
One thing that centers me when life gets too busy and I get caught up in work is this — I take a fifteen-minute break and go sit in the sanctuary when it’s empty. I find a pew, sit down, and say a prayer. For you, it might look like going for a quiet walk, or writing in a journal.
The meaning of Christmas is that God is WITH us. Ask God to remind you of his presence this week as you go about all of your activities. Rather than seeking an idyllic, Norman Rockwell holiday season, ask that God would instead help you to be present and aware of the blessings you already have this year, first of them the promise of God’s peace.
Rev. Kelsey Lewis Vincent
Pastor for Youth & Families