ADVENT: Peace (Week 2)

Written By Abby Sholar

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ADVENT: PEACE

  • Cool

    • Slight chill of weather or touch

    • Acknowledgment of agreement

    • Describing a calm or restrained demeanor

    • Someone fashionable, impressive, or socially desirable.

    • Sophisticated and effortless demeanor

  • “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

  • The second candle of Advent, often called the "Peace Candle," invites us to meditate on the peace Christ brought into a turbulent world and the promise of ultimate peace in His eternal kingdom.

  • Peace

    • Freedom from disturbance

    • Tranquility

    • Harmony

    • A treaty to end conflict

    • To silence 

Isaiah 9:6, NLT  "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

  • Salom - salem

  • Complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, full, finished, at peace, at ease, restored, whole, wholeness

Luke 1:78-79, NLT "Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace."* (Luke 1:78-79, NLT)

  • Peace isn't passive; it requires active participation in God’s restorative work in the world,  (and one each of us) such as seeking justice, practicing forgiveness, and fostering reconciliation. -N.T. Wright

  • In our daily lives, seeking peace starts with intentionality. Paul’s exhortation captures this beautifully:

Philippians 4:6-7 "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."* (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)

Practical Steps to Peace:

  1. Prayer and Reflection: Begin each day with gratitude and honest conversation with God, asking Him to guide your thoughts and actions.  

  2. Forgiveness: Release grudges and offer forgiveness to others, mirroring the grace Christ has shown us.  

  3. Pursue Reconciliation: Take steps to mend broken relationships, promoting peace in your circle of influence.

  4. Serve Others: Participate in acts of kindness, bringing light into dark places.  

  5. Cultivate Stillness Set aside moments for silence to reconnect with God’s presence.

  6. Celebrate the peace (wholeness) we have in christ.

  • “Let there be peace on earth”

  • “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

Let there be peace on earth

The peace that was meant to be

With God as our father

Brothers all are we

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony

Let peace begin with me

Let this be the moment now

With every step I take

Let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment

And live each moment

In peace eternally

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

Let there be peace on earth

The peace that was meant to be

Abby Sholar
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ADVENT: Joy (Week 3)
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ADVENT: Hope (Week 1)