On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace on our Advent wreaths. Notice that we continue to light each of the other candles, representing hope, faith, and joy. None of these virtues are extinguished as we progress toward Christmas; they all work together in our hearts and build upon one another. For joy and peace are fruits of the Holy Spirit; they spring forth from faith, hope, and charity. When we foster our hope and faith through prayer, we experience the true joy and peace that Christ promises. We seek to grow in virtue throughout Advent so that we can bring them with us as we celebrate the coming of Christ.
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us a beautiful gift: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). Jesus’s holy Presence is peace itself: “He shall be peace” (Micah 5:4). The Presence of God is with us, and His name is Emmanuel.
God is with us in our bodies when He feeds us His own precious Body and Blood in the Eucharist.
God is with us in our spirits when we allow Him to reign as Lord of our hearts (cf 1 Peter 3:15).
God is with us when we gather to worship and pray, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).
God is with us forever, because He promised to be with us “always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
The peace that came from Christ’s Presence did come in history that Christmas night, but His peace didn’t stop being with us at the manger or even at the cross. His peace continues to come each and every day. He is Emmanuel—God with us—forever.
Lord Jesus, Please be with me now and forever. When You come, please bring me the gift of Your peace.