In his sermon, Lex reflects on the gloomy weather of Seattle during Advent, drawing a parallel between the physical darkness and the existential malaise many feel in their lives. He introduces Paul’s letter to the Philippians, written from prison, as a profound example of finding joy and peace in the midst of hardship. Paul’s exhortation to “rejoice in the Lord always” is not about fleeting happiness, but about a durable joy rooted in a relationship with Christ. The peace that Paul describes is not merely the absence of conflict, but a profound, enduring peace that “passes all understanding,” a peace that can sustain individuals even in the darkest times. Lex emphasizes that this joy and peace are cultivated through relationships—first, with Christ, and then with one another in a Christ-centered community.
Lex invites us to embody attitudes and behaviors that foster this joy and peace, such as humility, vulnerability, and love over the need to be “right.” He highlights the importance of gratitude and prayer in confronting fears and anxieties, encouraging openness to God’s healing grace. Drawing on the hymn “They Cast Their Nets in Galilee,” he illustrates how the peace of God often comes through struggle, but is worth the cost. He asks us recognize the peace already present at Epiphany, urging us to carry that peace and joy into our daily lives. Even in the midst of gloomy times, he encourages us to lift our heads, connect with one another, and find glimpses of spring—both literal and spiritual—through our shared hope and faith.
Reflection Questions for this Week:
- How does Paul’s understanding of “joy” and “peace” challenge conventional notions of happiness and tranquility, and how might these ideas be applied to our struggles with fear, anxiety, and division?
- Lex emphasizes the importance of community and relationships, both with Christ and one another, in cultivating lasting joy and peace. What practical steps can you take to strengthen these relationships within your own communities?
- The hymn “They Cast Their Nets in Galilee” describes the peace of God as something that often involves strife and sacrifice. How can this understanding of peace shape the way we approach challenges and hardships in life?