Advent Week Two: Peace of Christ

Advent: Week 2, Day 1

Light the first candle, then a second purple candle
Read: Isaiah 9:6-7

"For 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.
Of the increase 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." (9:6-7)

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Today begins the second week of Advent, a week in which we will celebrate the peace that Jesus Christ brought with His first coming and the peace that He will ultimately bring with His return.

In a world of toil and trouble, when nation and ethic groups are at unrest with one another, never has the peace of Christ been more needed. But not only do we need this peace in the external affairs of life but also inside the heart. Even for those who are already saved. Just because we are saved does not mean our troubles will cease. In fact, they are likely to increase, for we have gained an enemy in the form of our sinful world. But Jesus said to His disciples in the Upper Room, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:26)."

This week we will start on the inside with the peace of salvation and then gradually turn towards the peace we have with those around us. This week is a glorious week in which we get to celebrate our Prince of Peace.

Be God's.