Advent invites us to pause and ask: What am I truly seeking? Do I place my hope, peace, joy, and desire for love in the Lord: or do I look for them in myself, others, or the world? Isaiah reminds us that God keeps us in perfect peace when our minds are steadfast in him. This peace is not the fruit of our effort but God’s gift, because we are precious to him. He holds us close, safeguarding us like something of great value. Advent, then, is about re centering our hearts. Hope, peace, joy, and love are not fragments we try to achieve; they are the life of Christ in us. Isaiah promises that the Lord is the Eternal Rock, unchanging and everlasting. When we build on him, our peace is eternal. Jesus warns in Matthew 7 that calling him “Lord” is not enough: we must allow him to be Lord of our lives. To do the Father’s will means to welcome Christ fully into our hearts. Our struggles may remain, but God’s eternal promise, will bring us joy beyond measure.

PRAYER: Abba Father, help me seek hope, joy, and love only in you. Amen.