Peace - The Second Sunday of Advent

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Today we continue the liturgical calendar, the Second Sunday of Advent. 

The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognized for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, peace, joy and love. 

The Second Candle of Advent - Peace. 

One of the hallmarks of the Christmas story is when the angels appear to the shepherds and proclaim, “Peace on earth,” in Luke 2:14. 

Jesus brought about peace, in the most unexpected ways, when he arrived. The Jews, particularly the zealots, wanted a rebellion. They wanted their Saviour to overturn the oppressive rule of the Romans and bring about peace in a violent way. 

But Jesus had something else in mind. Jesus brings us peace in a number of ways.

First, he gives us inner peace. Because of his work on the cross, we have a chance to receive salvation and be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This grants us an inner peace (John 14:27). Not only do we have the peace that comes from our assurance of salvation, but we also have the peace of mind knowing God will heal this broken world and will come again.

Second, we have peace with others. We put aside our differences (Galatians 3:28), especially with other believers, because we belong to the same family - the family of God. We have the same purpose: to let others know about the peace of Christ.

The Hebrew word for peace: Shalom, goes far beyond not fighting with others or peace as we know it.  Shalom is, in essence, how things are meant to be: a slice of heaven. 

The peace of God allows us to look at others through heaven’s eyes and help guide the world to see God’s "here and not-yet" kingdom. 

Peace from God, biblical peace, allows us to trust in God’s promises (Proverbs 3:5), through restful, tranquil faith, despite the dark, scary world around us. 

What Does the Bible Say about Peace?

Not surprisingly, the Bible has a lot to say about peace, as it attributes peace to Jesus himself: the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

In addition to the items listed above, biblical peace:

Guards our hearts from the devil (Philippians 4:7)

Brings us joy (Proverbs 12:20)

Is a blessing from God (Psalm 29:11)

Assists us during dire circumstances (Isaiah 54:10)

In a scary and violent world, the peace of God grants us a tranquility you cannot find anywhere else and offers a light to others who do not yet know that peace.

May you and your family know the peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings by His Spirit. 


Prayer: Heavenly Father, this second week of Advent, keep us in perfect peace as our mind is stayed on the truth of your powerful love. Thank you for your mighty, sovereign hand. Help us to trust fully in you and rest in the peace that you offer. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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