Advent Week 2: The Fruit of Peace

By Evelyn Reams | December 4, 2022  |  Return to Blog   

Each week of advent traditionally focuses on a single theme, leading up to Christmas, when the birth of Christ is celebrated. This week's theme is Peace, which is found as we abide in Jesus, the true Vine.  

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:9-11

True joy and peace cannot be found outside of the vine. Abiding is a choice, but the peace we receive is a free gift that we cannot find on our own. Good fruit comes as God works in our hearts through Jesus, the Vine. Earlier in chapter 15, he says that apart from him, we can do nothing. God sustains our very lives, and when we abide, he sustains our spiritual growth as well. This advent, may we take the time to abide–to rest in quietness and peace. In doing so, we are renewed as we remember the season of waiting for the Son of God to be revealed.  

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last.” John 15:16 

Fruit that lasts is only produced by God’s strength through Christ. Many of the highest human accomplishments of life are only of value for the time we are on earth. As the world rushes onward to spend more, do more, and set resolutions for self-improvement, it is difficult to keep a proper view of things. Those kinds of fruit will not last. The glittering “medals” the world offers for an abundance of wealth, intelligence, fitness, or success will fade in the end. God promises a better and narrower way. Those who have been appointed will bear fruit only as they rely on the Spirit. Peace, joy, self-control and the other aspects of fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 will not fade even after we fade from this life.  

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The Scriptures say that a “sword would pierce” Mary’s soul when Jesus died to bring atonement to the world (Luke 2:35). Trouble and sorrow would come, but the gift of eternal peace with God through grace would be the result. Although evil is a palpable and active force, Jesus promised that our peace would not be tied to the troubles of the world. It springs forth as we abide in Christ and seek to follow the Holy Spirit’s quiet wisdom in thought and deed. No one is perfect.  All have fallen short of God’s standard, but when we abide in Christ, we can take heart. Our Vine, the source of our strength, has overcome the world.