How Peace Enters The Room

In this second week of advent, we are talking about Peace.  As I have been praying about what it is the Lord would like me to share, I was reminded of a time when I tangibly felt the Prince of Peace enter a space and completely change the environment in an instant.  

Back in the 90’s – I was in my 20’s and a group of friends and I attended what was to be the last year of Jesus Northwest in Vancouver Washington.  Jesus Northwest was a Christian music festival that had been going since the ’70s and was a highlight of my summer.  At the time,  I was addicted to all things Christian music and also just loved getting away with my friends for a weekend.  

This particular year there was a lineup of many artists that were a lot more “hardcore” than in years past.  That being said, those leading the festival would say over and over that moshing was not allowed and to respect the space of others.  

On the last night of Jesus Northwest, my friends and I were sitting on a blanket on this little hill with a great view of the main stage.  One of the hardcore bands was the second to perform.  You could feel a difference immediately – this band was all about stirring up the crowd.  They started to play and encourage people to start moshing.  It was weird, I can still remember the feeling of uneasiness and chaos that came over the crowd of over 20 thousand people.  You could see that upfront people were getting slammed into the gates and security was doing their best to stop the situation.  At that point a couple of ambulances showed up and started taking people to the hospital – I think I heard that 6 people ended up with internal bleeding and some with broken arms.  It was nuts!  

But then….during all the chaos, a grand piano starts getting wheeled onto the stage, and security began to pull plugs and exit the band off the stage.  You couldn’t see who was sitting at the piano, but they began to play.  It wasn’t about the person playing – there was no spotlight on them to show who it was – but a beautiful sound started to play over the large crowd and then Michael W. Smith began to sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy” “Holy, Holy, Holy” “Holy, Holy, Holy” 

At that moment, you could feel the Peace of God poured out over the crowd.  It honestly felt like a blanket fell over everyone.  Michael W. Smith began to lead a familiar worship song and people stood up all over the venue and began to worship the Lord.  All eyes were on Him and not on the situation that had just taken place.  His presence brought peace where there had been chaos and confusion just moments before.  

Over the past couple of years, I have felt that familiar uneasiness that I felt over 20 years ago on that grass watching disruption happen.  So many things are happening in our world right now, and it feels confusing and frustrating.  So often I am unsure of what is even going on.  As we celebrate this Advent season, let’s remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  Let’s remember that when He is present, peace resides in whatever situation we are facing. 

Join me in turning our eyes to Him and receiving the peace that He brings and trust Him as He leads us forward into this new year ahead.