By Deacon Franz Fruehwald • Posted December 4, 2025

On Sunday we light the second candle on the Advent wreath – the candle of Peace. The soft glow of the two candles reminds us that darkness is gradually giving way to increasing light —the light of Christ.

Advent is a season of promise, but also a season of preparation. We are challenged to slow down, to clear space, to make room in our lives and in our hearts, and to listen for the quiet voice of God. In a world that often feels rushed and anxious, Advent asks us to step back and pause long enough to become aware of the peace that Christ brings — not only at Christmas, but in the everyday moments of our lives.

Peace is a word that we hear often. We generally think of peace as an absence of conflict. Christ’s peace, however, is much deeper and it is the peace that Advent invites us into. It is a peace that begins not in distant countries but dwells in our own lives and hearts even when the world around us feels troubled and uncertain.

Christ’s peace is one of healing where there has been hurt, courage where there has been fear, reconciliation where there has been division.

However, the peace of Christ does not come when everything in our lives becomes calm. It comes into the chaos. It comes into the wilderness. It comes into the ordinary, messy, hopeful places where we need God most.

There are ways that we can welcome Christ’s peace:

• Simplicity — choosing what nourishes, rather than what distracts.
• Stillness — giving ourselves even a few minutes each day to be quiet before God.
• Forgiveness and reconciliation — releasing what burdens us or divides us.

As we allow God to straighten what is crooked and heal what is wounded, the light within us grows brighter. We become bearers of peace for others — through our words, our presence, our patience, and our compassion. Gradually, almost quietly, Christ shapes us from within so that we reflect His light in the world.

May the growing light of the second candle remind us that God’s peace is near,

already rising, already shining. Let this peace take root within us, to create space for it, to nurture it with intention and to welcome Christ with open and peaceful hearts.

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Deacon Franz Fruehwald is a permanent deacon at Queen of Peace Parish in Ardsley.