An Audacious Advent: ReImagining the Heart of AdventSample

Peace: Sowing Seeds of Shalom

Shortly after beginning a dating relationship with my now husband, we found ourselves in a disagreement that we quickly realized we would never resolve. The more we talked about it, the more convinced we were of our own convictions: He thinks Seinfeld is the best comedy series of all time, whereas I know, without a doubt, Friends is clearly the better choice. “What is there even to discuss?” I thought. A few Google searches later, to my surprise, I learned our disagreement was actually a long-standing cultural debate.

Of course, silly arguments about which TV series is better pale in comparison to the kinds of divisions we face in our world today. In an age of polarization, technology-induced echo chambers, outrage, and violence, how I sincerely wish that trivial debates about sitcoms were the only divisions we had to navigate. Simply bringing to mind all that is unjust, the wars that seem without end, the precious lives lost around the world, families separated by immigration enforcement, and broken relationships that seem beyond repair can overwhelm the heart and paralyze us. Perhaps the biggest temptation these days is despair, to believe that whatever we do, no matter how small or big, towards God’s vision of shalom makes no difference in the scheme of all that is terribly wrong.

In the face of looming hopelessness, God offers a different narrative. The Bible promises Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and assures us that there will be no end to His government or His peace (Isaiah 9:7, NIV). He broke through the darkness and despair of this hurting world to not only offer us peace, but to be our Peace. This peace—shalom—is not simply the absence of conflict, but God’s wholeness: a world where justice and truth reign, the image of God in every person is honored, creation flourishes, and relationships are restored.

Perhaps this holiday, you’re struggling to see the light in the darkness, the hope in the chaos, the peace in the storm. If so, invite God to reimagine what peace looks like in and through you. Because even as darkness surrounds, God invites us to participate in His lasting kingdom, to faithfully sow seeds of peace that will have an eternal impact.

Advent Invitation:
Centuries ago, St. Francis of Assisi—a humble friar known for his compassion and simplicity—modeled a life of peace that reflected Jesus. His timeless Prayer of St. Francis still calls us to become instruments of God’s peace.

Read the prayer slowly several times, noticing those who already live it out around you. Then ask God to show you what it might look like to embody His peace—in word, action, and presence—throughout this Advent season.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Written by: Grace Aquilina