Second Thursday of Advent
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 14, 2023
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Today’s Texts:

Isaiah 52:7-10: The beauty of those who bring good news of peace and salvation.

John 14:27: Jesus’ gift of peace, different from what the world offers.

Isaiah 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Today’s Meditation:   Isaiah’s words paint a vivid picture of joy & celebration as a messenger arrives from the mountains bearing news of peace and salvation. This imagery stirs something deep within us. It awakens a yearning to not only hear such a message, but to see the message become reality: a world filled with peace and the promise of renewal. In the Gospel of John, Jesus presents us with a unique kind of peace, different from the kind the world can give. It is a peace that reaches into our very souls, easing our worries and fears. These beautiful readings call us to not just embrace this peace, but to also embody it in our own lives. In times filled with chaos and uncertainty, God fulfills the promise of having peacefulness be the default setting in our hearts. They call on us to carry the message of this peace that surpasses all worldly understanding and share that peace with the world. Today, let us embrace the gift of this heavenly peace: peace that lights up the hearts and shines on the path before us wherever we go.

Something to Think and Pray About:

• How can you be a messenger of peace in your daily life and interactions with others?
• What does it mean to you to experience and share the peace that Jesus offers, and how can we our ideas of peace in the world more reflective of the peace offered by Jesus?

A Prayer For Today:  Creator of Peace, as we continue our journey through Advent, inspire us to be messengers of Your peace and hope. Grant us the courage and wisdom to share Your good news, bringing light and comfort to those around us. May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, guiding us in paths of compassion and understanding. Amen.