Advent: Peace in the Waiting | Aaron Hanson

This Advent message invites us to rediscover peace by looking closely at three responses to the birth of Jesus in Matthew 2:1-12. King Herod opposed Him, the religious leaders overlooked Him, and the Magi opened their hearts in worship. What makes the story so striking is that the ones who traveled farthest, both physically and spiritually, were the ones who truly found Him. These Magi were outsiders, coming from a place the Bible often associates with darkness, yet they were the ones searching for light.

Their gifts carried deep meaning: gold for the King, frankincense for the High Priest, and myrrh pointing to His sacrificial death. Through their example we see that biblical peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ in the middle of whatever we face. Following Jesus may bring opposition, but it also brings the promise that no matter how far we feel from God, He is drawing us near.

The question this Advent is simple but profound: how will we respond to the gift of the Prince of Peace?