Ministry in Motion

Peace I leave with you; my pease I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27 Peace can often feel like a distant ideal in a world shaped by turmoil, uncertainty, and conflict. Yet Advent reminds us that true peace is anchored in the coming of Christ, a composure, a calmness, that remains steady even when everything around us feels unsteady. One of my favorite moments of the Christmas Eve service arrives at the very end. The overhead lights fade to darkness, leaving only the soft glow of the Advent candles at the front of the sanctuary. Someone steps forward and lights a small hand-held candle from the Christ candle—the center flame of Advent. He turns and shares that light with his neighbor, who then passes it to the next person, and slowly a warm glow spreads across the room. As the candles begin to shine, voices start to sing “Silent Night,” and soon the entire congregation joins in, the harmony growing...