Justice shall flourish in his time,
and fullness of peace for ever. – Psalm 72
Reflection
Jesus told his disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my own peace I give you; a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).
Now that’s a great gift – the “perfect gift!” This Advent we can accept Jesus’ gift of peace, a peace that the world can’t give us. It cannot be bought, and has nothing to do with fame or fortune.
It’s a peace that takes away our anxiety and fear – fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of bad things happening to us and to our loved ones. It’s a peace that fills us with gratitude and joy, and moves us to
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians: 5)
Prayer
O God, Creator and Redeemer of human nature,
who willed that your Word should take flesh
in an ever-virgin womb,
that your Only Begotten Son,
having taken to himself our humanity,
may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.