Enduring Peace Under Pressure (Advent Week 2)

As we continue through this Advent season, let us remain grateful for God’s grace and power that have sustained us, especially in the moments when life feels heavy, overwhelming, and uncertain. 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

(Luke 2:14) 

Advent reminds us that the coming of Jesus Christ is God’s announcement that God’s peace is possible, even now, not because everything around us is calm or resolved, but because Emmanuel is near. We have the Lord's favor. Therefore, even when turmoil or agitation presses in, we can ask Christ to settle our spirits, guard our minds, and instill within us a peace that doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances or ideal conditions. This week, we practice enduring peace under pressure by choosing steady trust in God over spiraling fear, and by letting the presence of the Holy Spirit become our enduring anchor.

ADVENT ACTION: This week, take one intentional “action of peace." Pause daily for 5 minutes of quiet prayer and deep breathing, and then reach out to one person to make peace where there’s tension (a gentle text, an apology, an encouragement, or a calm conversation, etc.). In this, we endure peace under pressure as we await Christ, trusting that his presence can steady us even when life is unsettled.

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard

CBA Regional Executive Minister