Peace That Welcomes Us Home

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

I've had my two youngest boys back in Austin for the past week, and it's been wonderful.  There is life in my house, where there had been mostly silence before.  

It all makes me smile and reminds me of what it was like for me when I was younger, home for the holidays.  

Before they arrived, I did my best to do all the things my mom would do when she knew I was coming home for Christmas, even when I had kids of my own.  

I bought their favorite snacks, stocked up on sparkling water, and a host of other goodies.  I've been washing clothes, making dinner, ordering the fast food they crave, and generally doing everything I can to bring them joy, which brings me joy.  

But the most blessed time I've had is when each of them spent separate evenings watching football with me on the couch. In turn, they both fell asleep. 

I thought about how it must feel for them to be back home, out of school, and filled with the peace that lets them happily slumber.  That kind of peace eludes so many of us.  

All of that got me thinking.  

Advent peace is not merely calm—it is welcome. It is the voice of Christ saying, “Come home.” Not to a place, but to Him. Peace is belonging restored, hearts re-centered, burdens met with gentleness rather than demand.

Jesus does not tell the weary to toughen up or strive harder. He says, “Come to me.” Peace is personal. It opens a door, sets a table, and bids us sit. It does not require perfection before arrival; need is the only qualification.

Mary and Joseph found “no room” in Bethlehem, but in God’s economy, peace made room for them. The shepherds—outsiders by most standards—were invited first. The story of Jesus’ birth whispers that peace makes space for the weary, unnoticed, and unworthy.

Where do you long for home? Perhaps you feel spiritually scattered, emotionally tired, relationally strained, or simply stretched thin. Peace is God’s invitation to return—to grounding, to clarity, to presence. Not because circumstances are resolved, but because we are received.

Advent peace is sanctuary. It holds us without asking us to earn belonging. It whispers, “Be still— you’re home.” Peace is the space God prepares within Himself for us to abide.

Let peace welcome you today. You don’t have to figure everything out before you arrive. You only need to come.

Prayer

Christ, our dwelling place, welcome us again into Your rest. Gather the scattered places within us and give us the peace of belonging. Help us release our burdens and settle into Your presence. Let Your peace be our home, and teach us to extend that same welcome to others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. What burden are you carrying today that longs for Christ’s welcome?

  2. How does thinking of peace as “home” change how you receive it?

  3. Who might God be inviting you to make room for, extending peace to as you have received it?


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