“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.” - Psalm 85:8 (New Revised Standard Version)  

Noise. Noise. Noise. It seems that these days, as the holidays get closer, we hear lots of noise. From the radio to television and computer, we hear the sounds of the season: ads of Christmas sales, the best that money can buy and the latest electronic gadgets and gizmos. The cries from the youngsters ring out with all the things they want Santa to bring. It’s hard to hear God among all the noise of bustling shoppers and last minute rushing around. 

But God continues to speak, to call to us in the hustle and busy-ness. The Lord speaks to us if we will take time to listen. Just as long ago, God spoke peace and comfort to Israel in the midst of their struggles and exile, so God longs to speak peace into our troubled and rushed lives today. The psalmist says that the Lord will speak peace to those who turn to God in their hearts. It’s not enough to just show up to church on Sundays. When we long for God in our hearts, God will not disappoint us. The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ will pour over our rushed and troubled lives if we will slow down long enough to hear the message of God’s peace to us. 

During Advent, this time of expectancy and preparation, what troubles you most? In these troubling and uncertain economic times, what part of your life needs a little peace right now? Will you turn to God and allow God’s Spirit to speak peace into your situation and your heart as we await the arrival of the best Christmas Gift of all, the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Jan McCoy is associate pastor of First United Methodist Church of Covington. She may be reached at jan.mccoy@ngumc.net.