Merry & Bright: Rediscover the Peace of AdventSample

The Sun Still Rises

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace” (Luke 1:78-79, NLT).

Minnesota, like most places, has beautiful sunrises and sunsets. But our winter sunrises are remarkable when the ground is covered in snow and the sun begins to break on the horizon. Colors of pink, purple, red, yellow, and orange swirl above the ground in stark contrast to the white that covers everything. If you step outside, there’s a crispness to the morning air, especially if it’s devoid of wind—a quiet like you don’t experience any other time of year.

And to me, it always feels holy.

It’s no secret that I love being in nature and feel most connected to God when I am out in his creation. There is something very healing and grounding about being outdoors: a stability in knowing that the sun will continue to rise and set. An assurance that seasons will continue to come and go.

Nature is a constant reminder of God’s care and faithfulness to us, to those who have gone before us, and to our children who will carry on after we’re gone. And this fills me with hope, especially when I walk through seasons of doubt, fear, or depression. The physical world reminds us of a God who is always consistent and available when we’re troubled, worried, or uncertain.

And no matter what else is happening in the world, no matter how dark our circumstances get, we can trust that because of God’s tender mercy, heaven’s morning light will soon break upon us, bringing light to the darkness and guiding us into peace. Jesus is that peace. His birth and life ushered in a new understanding of God, his love for us, and the peace he offers to all of us. Peace of mind. Peace of heart. Peace that we can share with others.

Questions to Ponder: Have you struggled to walk with hope and peace each day during this Advent season? Does the busyness of life feel especially acute right now? Spend some time this month out in God’s creation. If possible, watch a sunrise or sunset and thank God for his faithfulness, mercy, and love. Give to him all that is stressful, and ask him to fill your days with his peace.