Making Room for Peace: Advent Week 2

By Pastor Marcus L. Heffinger

Advent is a season of preparation, both for the celebration of Christ’s birth and for His promised return. Last week, we lit the candle of hope, reminding us to make room for Christ in our hearts as we anchor ourselves in God’s promises. This week, our focus turns to peace—the peace that Christ brings to reconcile us to God and to one another.

The second candle of Advent, the Peace Candle, reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. As we light this candle, we reflect on how His peace transforms not only our hearts but also our relationships and communities. Advent calls us to prepare the way—not just for ourselves, but for others. It’s about making room at God’s table for everyone and sharing the peace we’ve received with those around us.

Preparing the Way for Others

One of the most powerful themes of Advent is the call to prepare. In Luke 3:1–6, John the Baptist steps onto the scene with a message of preparation:

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

John’s message wasn’t just about personal repentance; it was also about removing obstacles that keep others from encountering God’s peace. His words challenge us to reflect on the barriers in our own lives—barriers like resentment, pride, or indifference—that may be blocking the flow of Christ’s peace.

But Advent also calls us to look outward. Are there ways we can help clear the path for someone else? Are we making room for others, especially those who may feel excluded or overlooked? This is what preparing the way of the Lord looks like today: breaking down barriers, building bridges, and sharing God’s peace with a world desperate for it.

A Peace That Overflows with Love

In Philippians 1:9–11, the Apostle Paul prays that our love would “abound more and more” as we grow in knowledge and discernment. This is a picture of a love that overflows, spilling out into our relationships and communities.

True peace doesn’t stop at reconciling us to God—it compels us to reconcile with others. It challenges us to love people who are different from us, to forgive those who’ve hurt us, and to make room in our hearts for those who need Christ’s love.

As Paul reminds us, this kind of love requires wisdom and discernment. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. When we embrace God’s love and let it guide our actions, we reflect His peace to the world in tangible ways.

The Light That Guides Us to Peace

In Luke 1:78–79, Zechariah proclaims a beautiful truth about Christ:

“Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Jesus is the Dayspring—the dawn that breaks through the darkness. His light leads us into the way of peace, a peace that transcends circumstances and transforms lives. This peace isn’t just for us; it’s meant to be shared.

Think about how a single candle can light up an entire room. When we let Christ’s light shine in us, it has the power to illuminate even the darkest corners of someone else’s life.

How Can We Make Room for Peace?

This Advent, let’s commit to making room for peace in practical ways:

  1. Remove Barriers: Is there something in your heart—anger, fear, or bitterness—that’s blocking God’s peace? Ask Him to help you let it go.
  2. Make Room for Others: Reach out to someone who needs encouragement, forgiveness, or a reminder that they belong.
  3. Reflect Christ’s Light: Be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or community. Let your actions point others to the Prince of Peace.

A Prayer for Peace

Lord, thank You for the peace that only You can bring. Help us to make room for Your peace in our hearts, our homes, and our relationships. Teach us to remove the barriers that keep us from You and from others. Let Your light shine through us so that we can guide others into the way of peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Join Us This Advent Season

As we light the Peace Candle this week, we’re reminded that Advent is not just a time of waiting—it’s a time of action. Let’s prepare the way for Christ by making room for His peace in our lives and sharing it with those around us.

We invite you to join us this Sunday at The Ashland Church of God as we continue our Advent journey together. Whether you’re new to faith or looking for a place to belong, there’s room for you here.

Blessings,
Pastor Marcus L. Heffinger