Perfect Peace

Midweek Meditation with Pastor Edith
December 10, 2025
Isaiah 9:6-7 & Isaiah 26:3

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end” Isaiah 9:6-7.
“You [Lord] will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” Isaiah 26:3.

This past Sunday we lit the second candle in our Advent wreath. It is the candle of Peace. Probably most of you reading my meditation posts are very familiar with the 5 candles of Advent; Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and on Christmas Eve; the Christ candle. What a fun and wonderful way to usher in Christmas, bringing in a bit more light during the dark winter days.

I was sharing with the congregation at a Senior Living center yesterday how I marveled at the story of the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night (Luke 1:8-14). I loved reading again how “a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’”. The Christmas hymn “I heard the bells on Christmas day” came to my mind and in the fearful third verse we sing; “And in despair I bowed my head: ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said, ‘For hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men’”. Then, the next verse brings the Hope and the Peace of God; “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: ‘God is not dead, nor doth he sleep, the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men.” It stands to reason then, that in order to have peace on earth, we are to have good-will or good intentions toward the people with which we share this planet. I believe that the only true and honest way to do that is to first have peace with God ourselves. In John 16:33 we are reminded of the reality of “hate” and “wrong” in our world, and we are also reminded that the Lord God has a plan to overcome the hate and wrong; “I have told you these things, so that in me you many have peace, in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world”. So, let me encourage you today with a simple prayer; “Lord, help me in the power of your Holy Spirit to work, play, and rest in your perfect peace as I keep my mind focused on your good will for me today”.

AMEN and Pray on!