We light advent candles representing hope to peace, and add a candle for joy. 
Makes sense, especially when we remember joy originates from our internal state, rather than external circumstances. We often think of the psalmist’s words in a different context, but they apply here, in this conversation, in this season.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
The context is Solomon teaching his son about wisdom. In earlier verses, he instructed,
“… pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body” (Proverbs 4:20-22).
- Care of our heart is above all else.
If you’ve been reading these posts a while, you know guard has a positive connotation as well as negative.
- Not only do we guard our hearts to keep out evil, but we also set a guard to watch over and hold in the good.
- We seek out hope and peace, with God’s help, and bring it into the storehouse of our hearts.
- Peter reminded us that our hope is “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:4).
Jesus gave us peace, the gift of Himself.
“… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).
- We guard this treasure and keep it safe within.
- Our guard wears armor to stand against the enemy.
- We venture out with
“feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
- We discovered last week that in this kingdom, peace is reconciliation.
- Especially during this time of year, we seek community, peace, and reconciliation as much as possible. Paul encouraged believers in Rome,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18), and
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).
Paul’s words were in the context of those who had conflicting ideas about what believers should eat or drink, or how they should behave in a gathering. Sound familiar?
Envision the guard of your personal castle offering peace and reconciliation to guests who have come for the feast. Perhaps fantasy writers or artists among you will put words and images to bring this mental picture to life—and the rest of you will imagine a scene from your favorite Christmas movie.
Our guard defends and protects our hope and peace with
“…the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
This sword is
“… sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
The same sword that defends against our enemy pierces us as well, pointing the way to joy.
“I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statues
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:10-16).
- Words that remind us of simple truth.
- Our sword, the Word of God, protects the good in our heart so joy can take hold and flow out to others.
- My son and I have reminded each other more than once that the best tip when life is chaotic and busy is to spend time in the Word.
- If we’re looking for joy this season, it’s found in a rich inner life with
- From a place of hope and peace, joy flows.
What does this have to do with Christmas? Everything.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…” (John 1:1, 14).
- We spend time with Jesus when we spend time in the Word.
- We celebrate Immanuel, God with us.
- We joyfully open God’s gifts to us,
“good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Hope and peace to you, and overflowing joy!
Tracie
PS: For occasional readings on Joy, you might enjoy Lisa’s posts.