Advent Week Two: Peace

A Liturgical Celebration Leads to Greater Love

Week Two of Advent Symbolizes PEACE:

Hundreds of years prior to the birth of Jesus, the prophet, Isaiah, penned these words about the promised Messiah:

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)More than 250,000 nights later a band of angels announced the birth of that Messiah—a baby named Jesus—to a group of shepherds, declaring:

“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  (Luke 2:14 ESV)

Thirty-three years later the promise of peace, who came as a babe born in a lowly manger, would die a violent death on a wooden cross. 

Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus spoke with his disciples, men he loved and who loved him. Scripture records that Jesus warned difficult days would come. They would suffer horribly—perhaps to the point of martyrdom—because of their alignment with him. Then, he said,

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

The world in which we live needs peace—lots and lots of peace in lots and lots of places. I wish I had some grand idea for promoting world peace, but this second week of Advent, I commit myself to becoming conformed more and more into the character of Jesus so that I will more accurately reflect his peace in the corner of the world in which I’ve been placed.

Blessings for a week filled with peace,

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