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Where do you find peace?

December 10, 2022

Isaiah 8:1-15 | 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18| Luke 22:31-38  

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.

The season sometimes is referred to as “The Happiest Time of the Year”! But is it really the happiest time of the year for everyone? There are pressures to find the perfect gift, attend social events, make the house look like a picture house and the list goes on. There are individuals watching their love one’s battle addiction, mental illness and physical illness. There are individuals missing loved ones whether recent are years ago, but grief is a never-ending process.

As one who struggles to be happy, merry and bright, I often need to look for a place or a moment of peace. Peace of mind to enjoy the magic and spirit of the season and the reasons for the season, the birth of Jesus. St. Luke’s is one of the places I find peace of mind and spirit. During the most difficult time of my life, I found myself drawn to be at St. Lukes. At St. Luke’s I find peace and calmness in my mind and soul. As we move to the third week of advent, pink candle is lit to represent Joy. Can you find peace without Joy or Joy without peace? I don’t have an answer. I know I try to find some moment of Joy and Peace in every situation. I don’t also succeed but there is always tomorrow to try again.

Finding Peace during this season, try looking around. Look at the sunrise or sunset, go sit near the ocean (one of my favorite places to find peace), or look at the joy in a child’s face when they see someone they love or maybe sitting on Santa’s lap. When at St. Luke’s listen to the buzz of people talking at coffee hour, listen to the music be sung, and see the joy in our youth faces as the run around the church.

Maybe offer a hug or a pat on the back of someone who looks like they are not at peace during this season. May try to do random acts of kindness to help some unexpected peace and joy. It does not have to be at St. Lukes, it can be anywhere in the community.

Remember, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is within all of us.

I would like to Thank you all for helping me and my family find peace and joy during our toughest times.

Anna Pilkington