Advent 12/22/22 Sacred Knowing

KNOWING PEACEThursday, December 22

2 Corinthians 4:13-18 (NRSV)

But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke”—we also believe, and therefore we also speak, because we know that the one who  raised Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present us with you in his presence. Indeed, everything is for your sake, so that grace, when it has extended to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For our slight, momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen, for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

_____
 
KNOWING PEACE-- as I begin to reflect on these two words. I feel an anxiety that really causes an inner disappointment in myself. PEACE so often brings to mind "no war, no physical fighting, no conflicts." But I think that is just one meaning of PEACE, an "outward" meaning of PEACE. Other outer feelings also come to mind as I consider this busy season of Advent-- how will I decorate this year, what gifts will I get family members, what will be our special Christmas meal?

But there are feelings of conflict which arise more for me during this Advent season: "inner" conflicts. They rob me of KNOWING PEACE, of having that calm with Christ through faith. I find myself recognizing the ageing of not only myself but also of my family, my friends, my acquaintances, and the fragility of the tie we have together.

And when I read these uplifting words of Paul to the Corinthians-- words of faith, belief, grace, thanksgiving-- they offer support to me as well. They remind me that "what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." These words give me a feeling of KNOWING PEACE-- Advent is bringing Christ to me.

-Linda Fisher