There is Peace Here for Now

Sunday morning retuning: Thanks to all my friends who helped make The First Noel possible.  What a delight to serve the Lord with you.  I can hardly wait until next time, but am learning to savor the warm glow of God’s glory we just enjoyed!

Invariably there is at least one line that the Lord speaks to me through each of these major works we share.  I say at least because after you have lived in a set of songs for a couple months the Lord speaks at different points from many of them, which is why I continue to hold to the long-held belief that the greatest blessing from these productions belongs to the choir who has ingested these truths.  That is an unashamed plug for involvement in choral ministry.

Anyway, the one that caught my attention this year was one of the original works in the musical called “Great Mystery”.  The line came from the third verse of the song, which in and of itself was a lead-in to the popular Chris Tomlin Hallowed Manger Ground.  Speaking of the wise that soon would come and bow it says, “There is peace here for now.” 

Side note.  Funny thing is, when I first was learning the song, I sang the words incorrectly.  I started to learn it as “there is peace here and now”.  Which seemed at some level to make sense, and still does because when the Prince of Peace came he brought peace that can never be taken away, but only into those who receive it.

I like the urgency that this line speaks.  Here for now.  Don’t miss it.  It could easily be “here right now.” Enjoy it.  Savor it.  Relish it.  This is the thought that I have been challenged with the last while, and want to pass along to you.

It the midst of an already busy life rushes the Christmas season.  There is peace, here for now?  Really?  Have you seen my calendar and to-do list?  The challenge is to find peace, as elusive as it seems, for I believe it is here for the taking.

Our family has an Advent tradition of lighting some candles, reading some scripture with devotional thoughts, singing and praying each night of December.  It is not always easy to carve out the time, but we are diligent.  The kids help us because they really wan to do this, and I firmly believe it has little to do with tradition of the piece of chocolate in their Advent calendar.  I think it has more to do with the moments of peace it affords in a busy season.

I want to encourage you in particular to try to live in the moment, soaking up all God has for you right then.  It is so easy to become overwhelmed with the demands of the season: relationally, financially, emotionally, etc.  Do not worry about tomorrow, enjoy Jesus right now. [Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)]

Whatever you have to do, please slow down enough each day of this Advent season to reflect on the difference Christ’s coming is making on you.  I am a work in progress, you are too, and these moments help us remember that, and usher in the peace we need to continue in Christ-likeness.

Jesus, help us each experience Your peace this Advent season.  It is here, for right now, this moment.  So help us enjoy it, for our good and Your glory.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy