Advent Week Two: PEACE—Preparing for CHRISTmas 2020
Advent Week Two began yesterday—Sunday, December 6 with the PEACE candle.
This second week of Advent, we focus on PEACE—Biblical peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7)—perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3)—represented by a purple candle, recognizing that our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) has come and will come again.
For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain, and courage, Bethlehem is not the end of our journey but only the beginning - not home but the place through which we must pass if ever we are to reach home at last. --Frederick Buechner
Advent: the time to listen for footsteps - you can't hear footsteps when you're running yourself. --Bill McKibben
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
Defining Biblical PEACE: reflect on the following passages. What do they say to you about PEACE?
Numbers 6 The Priestly Blessing 22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 4:8In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 9:6For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:12Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
Isaiah 32:17The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
Luke 1:76 And you, my child [John the Baptist], will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 2: 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
John 14:27 [Jesus says:] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 20:19[ Jesus Appears to His Disciples ] On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Ephesians 2:14 For he himself [Jesus] is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Peace, like hope, is related to trust, trust that God is sovereign, has things under control, and can give us peace of mind and heart even in the midst of circumstances that threaten otherwise. In Scripture, peace is really “shalom”—complete, total, utter peace—originating in God. Peace is a here-and-now possibility through the Holy Spirit and also a not-yet as we continue to pray for “Peace on Earth”. The Messiah is referred to as the Prince of Peace, and Jesus Himself says He give us His peace (John 14:27).
Old Testament readings: what do these say about the coming Messiah and what kind of Kingdom He brings?
Isaiah 53:1-12
Micah 5:2-3
New Testament readings [Luke 1:26-80]
Luke 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Luke 1:39-45 Mary Visits Elizabeth
Luke 1:46-56 Mary’s Song
Luke 1:57-66 The Birth of John the Baptist
Luke 1:67-80 Zechariah’s Song
Reflect:
What does the peace provided by God in Jesus mean to you?
Spend time in prayer talking with God and listening to Him about His peace.
For the rest of Week Two, read and reflect on these Scriptures. What do you notice about hope? What do they say about the coming Messiah—Jesus and about God and His promises?
Old Testament readings
Isaiah 7:13-14
Malachi 3:1-6
Isaiah 52:7-9
Psalm 89:1-4
Zechariah 6:12-13
New Testament readings
Mark 1:1-3 John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Matthew 5:1-12 Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount [The Beatitudes]
Next week: JOY
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999. Contact Shirley.
Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, All Rights Reserved.