We’re almost halfway through Advent, nearly two weeks away from once again welcoming the Prince of Peace.

How is your peace?

Are you frazzled from all the activity of the Season, yet? Feeling buffeted by family squabbles that have a way of erupting at this time of year?

Are you struggling, waging a war of resources (time, money,health) amid the demands of December?

Are you clinging to the last shred of hope and light while feeling pulled away from anchors of faith, comfort, and joy?

This month can be filled with many blessings, but it can also challenge our fragile spirits in myriad ways, especially when it comes to peace of mind and heart.

All the more reason to revisit what peace is and where it resides within you, within me. All the more reason to take steps to nurture it, yes, even as winter winds, both personal and meteorological, batter against our “house,” our soul.

By His life, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, shows us the way. Humble, sure, ready to take time to be alone and to pray, Jesus lived active peace for himself and others. He didn’t wait until all storms blew over, nor did he rage against them or cower. He firmly insisted they “be still,” and remained close to the Father in faith and in prayer before, during and after.

Peace grows in the stillness, but we have to insist on that stillness to grow peace. This active way of cultivating that which strengthens us in the face of life’s storms is helpful when we feel most helpless and supportive when we feel least supported.

Active peace. Not waiting for things to settle, but being firm for peace within us now, acting for peace around us now.

Welcoming the Prince of Peace into our world now.

Blessings for the day,

Maureen