If you’ve chosen to use an Advent Wreath, light the two purple and the pink candles from last week and then light the last purple candle to begin. 
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
(John 14:27 NLT)

Peace, what do you think of when you hear this word? Do you think of nations which need peace in the midst of war? Or do you think of something much closer to home, maybe peace for fights between spouses or siblings or employers? If we look at current events, we can see that peace is far from being the main theme in our lives. 

We talk about peace a lot, but what does the word really mean? Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines it as a freedom from the storm of negative emotions that we are hit with today: fear, anger, anxiety and much more. It is a contentment, a quiet in our minds and hearts that settles us during troubled times. But where can we find this peace? It comes from trusting out Lord and taking all the stresses and circumstances that send us into those negative emotions to Him. Paul has challenged all believers to not “worry about

anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). He also goes on to tell us what the result will be: “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 4:7 NLT). What results is a contentment that calms

us even when we don’t understand why things are happening as they are. We can trust that Jesus has everything under control, especially when we finally come to realize that we can’t control anything.

This false sense of control can rob us of our peace. Yet, Isaiah prophesied that a “Prince of Peace” would be born (Isaiah 9: 6-7). He talked about a peace that comes from the very character of the Most High God Himself. But how do we access such a character

trait? It is a gift; Jesus told his disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart” (John 14:27 NLT). It is a fruit of the Spirit that He plants and nourishes within the hearts of His followers (Galatians 5: 22). This means that it is a free gift that keeps

us from fear, anxiety, discouragement and depression and even from striving for things and so much more. The question then is will we trust Jesus enough to seek Him and accept this gift? To be content in our materialistic world of constant comparison with

others is a great challenge, but we don’t have to work it up on our own. Paul challenges us to, “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 NLT). In our darkest times and even in the not-so-dark times, let’s call out for His peace. It’s one of the best Christmas gifts ever!

Questions to Ponder

  1. What stresses you out right now? What brings worry or fear or anxiety because you’re not sure you can control that situation? Write these answers out in your journal and then take them to Jesus, praying over them right away. Give them totally to Him; then quietly sit in the peace He gives.
  2. Consider memorizing Philippians 4: 6-7.
  3. Challenge: Go to your Bible and look up every Scripture referenced here. Read the verses before and after the ones quoted. What do you notice? Any insights? Write these insights down in a journal.
  4. If you are going through a hard time right now, write a letter to Jesus talking about your situation, your fears, your hurts, your grief, and then listen and record His answer. Jot down the date and describe the peace that He gives you.

Pray with thanksgiving and ask the Lord to shower you with His peace, no matter the circumstances. He is trustworthy!

Sing: “Silent Night”