Scripture: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” — Luke 2:14
Sis, I see you. You’ve been running on empty for far too long. The weight of the world, the never-ending fight, the constant noise—it’s all too much sometimes, isn’t it? If you’re honest, you’re tired. Not just in your body, but in your spirit.
And who wouldn’t be? Black women have been holding it down for generations—raising families, leading movements, speaking truth, and doing it all while carrying the unspoken burden of being the backbone for everyone else. But can I tell you something? Even God rested.
Advent reminds us that peace isn’t something we have to chase or earn. It’s a gift. A divine promise wrapped up in the cry of a newborn baby—the Prince of Peace—who came to bring rest to weary souls like yours and mine.
The Gift of Peace
When the angels sang “peace on earth” to the shepherds, they weren’t talking about the absence of struggle. Let’s be real—Jesus was born into a world full of chaos, oppression, and injustice. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
But the peace they proclaimed was something deeper, something more enduring. It was the assurance that God was stepping into the mess to be with us. Not above it, not around it, but with us.
That’s the kind of peace Christ offers—a peace that doesn’t ignore the storm but holds you steady right in the middle of it. The kind of peace that whispers, “You don’t have to do this on your own.”
Permission to Rest
Sis, if no one else has told you this, let me be the one to say it: You don’t have to be strong all the time. You don’t have to fix everything or hold everyone up. Rest is not weakness. It’s wisdom.
Think about Jesus. Even He took time to step away, to pray, to recharge. And He’s the Savior of the world! If He could pause, so can you.
This Advent season, I want to encourage you to rest—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Let go of the pressure to carry it all. Lay it down at the feet of the One who said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Peace as Resistance
Choosing peace in a world that thrives on chaos is a radical act. The systems of this world want you to stay tired, distracted, and defeated because a rested, grounded Black woman is powerful beyond measure.
This week, take time to breathe deeply, to pray, to be still. Light your Advent candle and let its glow remind you of the peace Christ offers—a peace that nothing and no one can take away.
Peace in Community
Sometimes, peace feels hard to find on our own. That’s why we need each other. Call up a friend, join hands with your family, or lean into your church community. Advent reminds us that we’re not meant to walk this journey alone.
And if you’re in a season where community feels distant, know that you’re not forgotten. The same angels who proclaimed peace to those shepherds proclaim it to you. God’s favor rests on you, sis. His peace is for you.
A Prayer for the Week
Lord, in a world that feels so loud and overwhelming, we long for Your peace. Teach us to rest in You, to lay down the burdens we were never meant to carry. Thank You for being our steady anchor in the storm. Help us to embrace the gift of Your peace, not just for ourselves but so we can share it with others. Amen.
This week, give yourself permission to rest. Not because the work isn’t important, but because you are important. Let the Prince of Peace renew your spirit and remind you that even in the chaos, you are held. You’ve got this, and God’s got you.