This past Sunday marked the second Sunday of Advent. Many churches and families celebrate Advent by lighting a candle each week in an Advent wreath. Each candle represents a specific aspect of Jesus and His Ministry.

The second candle, the one that was lit last Sunday, is the Candle of Peace. It is a purple candle that symbolizes the perfect peace that Jesus gives each of His believers.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace 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

Since the beginning, Satan has been fighting against goodness, and humans have fought against God, making the earth a battleground. So, how do we find our peace in the midst of this?

We look to Jesus, who was poor, homeless, and persecuted—and yet moved forward on His mission in the spirit of peace and love. He did not “sit” in His circumstances. Instead, he kept his mind and eye focused on God and His mission to heal and to bring many into a right relationship with His Father.

We are sojourners on a mission similar to His. We are to “travel lightly,” keeping our eyes focused on Jesus until we reach our eternal home, where He is waiting to receive us.

If we can pause and refocus on this during times of stress, heartache, sickness, or strife, we can endure. We can make it through. We can find true, lasting peace.

During the week ahead, think of our Savior, Jesus, who opened heaven to us through our belief in Him. Think of your journey as one of helping others to know where their true and lasting home is. On this journey, we are to share the love and peace that Jesus gives us each minute of every day.

When you focus on these things, you will have perfect peace, no matter the circumstances.

Live in this peace and share it!