by Jennifer Armstrong-Schaefer
The Peace candle of the Advent wreath is also called the Bethlehem candle. This got me thinking of my collection of Advent wreaths and Nativity sets/figurines. My favorite figurine is one with Mary and Joseph riding on a donkey on their way to Bethlehem. The figure of Mary is pregnant. This figurine is my favorite because it is so unique. In any of the pictures that show Mary and Joseph heading to Bethlehem, you know that Mary is pregnant, but her stomach is not shown as such. In this figurine, you can clearly see that Mary is pregnant.
Often, peace can be found on a journey or at the end of a journey. Do you think that Mary felt God’s peace as she and Joseph neared Bethlehem? Peace knowing that what the angel had told her would all come to light in her baby about to be born. Peace in knowing that the baby she is carrying is the Messiah who will bring about God’s Kingdom on earth. Peace from finally reaching the end of their journey to Bethlehem.
The Women of the ELCA are on a journey, a financial journey. You are on this journey with us. Will we find peace at the end of our fiscal year? Peace knowing that we have enough offerings coming in each month to meet expenses. Peace knowing that we are helping women around the world find their boldness. Peace from reaching our fundraising goal.
The baby born in Bethlehem brings peace to all the world. This peace is found in all of us and is salted each time we spread this peace to others around us. May you find peace at the end of the journey you are on this Advent season and share this peace with others around you so they can feel this same seasoned peace with you.
Jennifer Armstrong-Schaefer is the churchwide board treasurer, Women of the ELCA. She lives in Pennsylvania.