by Victoria Heinecke

Seek. Watch. Pray.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

People sometimes look for signs in the most unusual places. A four-leaf clover is an omen of good luck. Sailors see a red setting sun as a sign of good weather. Black cats were once considered omens of bad luck, especially if they walked across one’s path.

People are tired, weary of 2020. They’re looking for a sign that next year will bring a return to the way life was in 2019. They’re looking for some sign of peace.

I found this little peace sign in the parking lot near the gym. I’m not sure it was a true omen of peace, but I do believe God has a sense of humor.

“…again (Noah) sent forth the dove out of the ark. And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. “
 Genesis 8:10b-11

Noah was quarantined on an ark with every living creature for over 150 days (Genesis 7:24). He must have wondered if the waters would ever subside, or if he’d walk on dry land. He sent the dove twice – the first time she returned, exhausted because she found no place to land. When she returned with the leaf, Noah and his family knew that peace with God was at hand.

As “The Summer of No Fun” comes to a close, we look for a sign of peace from the tumult surrounding us.

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.””
Luke 2:10-12

God always keeps his promises. He sent Jesus to save us from our sins. The angel called him Emmanuel: “God With Us.” Jesus, the Son of God, is our source of peace, a peace that passes all understanding. Rest in the promise of peace. It’s a sure sign!

All scripture verses are from the English Standard Version

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado