How to Live in Peace in Today’s World: Second Week of Advent Teaches Us How

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2nd Week in Advent: How To Live In Peace

The second week of Advent invites us to reflect on the meaning of peace and how we can experience it in our lives today. Peace is not just the absence of conflict or violence, but a state of harmony and well-being that comes from God. One of the prophecies about Jesus calls him “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7), who came to bring peace to the world and to our hearts.

But how can we live in peace when we face so many challenges and difficulties in our daily lives? How can we be peacemakers in a world that is often divided and hostile? The answer is to look at the example of Mary and Joseph, who trusted in God’s promises and followed his will, even when they faced uncertainty and hardship. They were prepared to welcome Jesus into their lives, just as we are called to prepare our hearts for his second coming.

Some practical ways to live in peace during the second week of Advent are:

Pray for peace in our world, our families, and ourselves. Ask God to help us overcome our fears, anger, resentment, and selfishness that prevent us from living in peace.
Practice gratitude for the blessings we have and share them with others. Express our appreciation to God and to the people who enrich our lives. Be generous with our time, talents, and resources to help those in need.
Seek reconciliation with those we have hurt or offended, and forgive those who have hurt or offended us. Let go of grudges and bitterness that poison our relationships. Be humble and willing to admit our mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
Celebrate the joy of the coming of Jesus, who is our peace. Sing songs of praise and worship, read the Scriptures that tell the story of his birth, and participate in the sacraments that nourish our faith. Remember that Jesus is with us always and that he loves us unconditionally.

By living in peace not only during the second week of Advent but throughout our whole lives, we are preparing ourselves for the ultimate peace that Jesus will bring when he returns in glory. We are also witnessing to the world that peace is possible and that it is a gift from God that we can share with others.