Advent 2023

The second Sunday of Advent has the theme of “Peace”. Peace is not just the hiatus between conflicts. The scripture tells us that there will always be wars and rumors of war, at least so long as sin is present in the world. So, peace has to mean something more than just the space between conflicts. This even goes for personal relationships. It is not really all that “peaceful” to be in between conflicts when you know sooner or later, another fight, argument, or whatever is coming.
So, peace is not the time between conflicts. In the Bible peace is associated with the presence of God.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.” And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
– Romans 15:4-13