The Gifts of Peace and Joy

by Bishop Mariann | Dec 12, 2024

Rejoice in the Lord always… And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

We’re near the end of Advent now, the brief season that gives us all permission to acknowledge how much of our lives we spend waiting, perhaps longing for what lies beyond our grasp or fearful of what might happen next.

It can also be a time when we’re reminded how much is beyond our ability to predict or control and that there are some things we cannot fix or make happen on our own, no matter how hard we try.

Yet for reasons we will never fully understand, God chooses to work in and through us for good in this world. Whatever it is we are waiting for, chances are we ourselves will play a part in bringing it to pass. Not the primary role, for that belongs to God. But as St. Teresa reminds us, Christ has no body now on earth but ours.

I’ve been heartened this Advent by the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It is a surprisingly joyful letter, given that Paul wrote from a first-century prison. Every word communicates his love for those in the Philippian community, and his desire to strengthen their capacity for peace and joy.

Bookend passages from Philippians have been part of our Sunday lectionary readings. Last week we read from the first chapter:

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ… And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best. (Philippians 1:6;9)

This Sunday you may hear these words as part of worship:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

I hadn’t thought of Paul as a biblical companion for Advent before, but as I spend time with this brief, powerful letter, I find myself almost in tears at the power of his witness. By his example, he demonstrates that peace and joy are possible even in times of great struggle, not because we will it to be so, but through the love and mercy of Christ.

At the same time, Paul is clear that we have far more agency than we often realize, in mysterious partnership with the divine. “Work out your own salvation in fear and trembling,” he gently admonishes the Philippians, “for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12)

And always, he points us to Christ:

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness…(Philippians 2:4-6)

While I cannot know the particular circumstances you are facing now, let me suggest that if in any part of your life you are feeling weary or spent; if you are waiting for important news or for something to happen; if you feel as if the weight of the world rests squarely on your shoulders, now would be a good time to spend in prayerful reading of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Hear his words as a wise elder, addressing you in love.
Feel how his spirit is sustained by the abiding presence of Christ, and be open to receive that same presence in you. Dare to believe that God is, indeed, with you, through all that you are holding in your heart, and actively working through you for the good.

As Paul gave thanks to God the faithful of Philippi, I give thanks to God for you. I am confident that the one who has begun a good work among you will see it through to completion. May joy come as the gift that it is, regardless of circumstance. And I pray that the peace of God that surpasses human understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, this Advent and always.