Advent Sonnet II: Peace

There was no peace for a sinner like me;
Rather, the world’s promise to make me whole
Put me in bondage, then said I was free.
But what peace is gained from losing my soul?
So God tuned my dull ears to history
Where I hear angels proclaim, “Peace on earth”
And see the reconciling mystery
Unfolding there at the Messiah’s birth.
Such a surpassing peace, He does provide—
It is here, reading by the fireplace;
And there, taking the call at your bedside
That Dad has passed on, finishing his race.
  We light the candle of peace, taking heart,
  For not as the world gives does He impart.