Advent Guide: You BelongSample

Peace and Quiet

At some point, all parents have said or thought these words: "I just want some peace and quiet." Kids can be noisy and rowdy, and so can adults.

One of my favorite things to do is to sit near a stream or creek to listen to running water. We have just the spot at Camp Buckner in the Texas Hill Country at the Upper Pond, fed by the Williams Spring.

The water cascades down from the headwaters about half a mile up the trail to the Upper Pond, then to the Lower Pond. There's a sense of peace that comes over me as I listen to the sounds of the water.

King David mentioned the Lord leading him "beside quiet waters" in Psalm 23. The Good Shepherd referred to by King David was born in a manger in Bethlehem. He is also the Prince of Peace mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah.

Dr. Luke mentioned a multitude of angels at Jesus' birth saying these words about him: "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace among men with who He is pleased."

In my newest book, "Never Alone: The Power of Family to Inspire Hope," I focus on the importance of family for the flourishing of societies and communities. The only peace we can hope for in our families comes when the Prince of Peace leads us to those still waters that speak to the core of our soul as individuals and as families.

This Christmas, I encourage you to invite the Prince of Peace to lead you to quiet waters in your home. He will come and give you the peace that passes all understanding – even during seasons of chaos.

Dr. Albert Reyes is president and CEO of Buckner International and lives in Dallas with his wife, Dr. Belinda Reyes, and their adult sons, Joshua, David, and Thomas. They are members of Park Cities Baptist Church.

Don't forget to check out the last activity of the Advent Guide.