Advent ~ Lighting the Candle of Peace

Light the Candles

The Advent season is a beautiful way to observe a time of expectant waiting and the second coming of Christ. Reading Scripture and using an Advent calendar are two ways for me to honor Jesus as the reason for the season. Lighting the candles on the wreath signify the light of God coming into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. These meaningful reminders help to keep Jesus at the center of all things Christmas. In week two we are lighting the candle of peace. Peace is a gift from God. It gives us comfort and something to hold onto when so many things around us are anything but peaceful.

The Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6 – 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.

God’s Word tells us that Jesus came to be the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. The word peace is the Hebrew word shalom, which means harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility. The closer we draw to God, the more of His peace we can enjoy. God didn’t just come to end conflicts, He came to take away our sins, so that we could more fully live in Him.

Peace I Give You

John 14:27 – 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.

We’ve all experienced a time when we didn’t have peace about a situation. What keeps us from experiencing peace?  Maybe it’s the anxiousness and unrest we let invade our minds. Regardless, God is there to still our souls and guard our hearts. His Word tells us to trust Him completely, praise Him in all things and remember His faithfulness. Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father.

Seek His Peace

My friend and fellow writer, Kathryn Shirey, says in her book, The Gift of Christmas: Advent Devotional, that the peace we focus on “is the peace that Jesus ushers into the world, the peace that He will lead us to when He returns in glory, and the peace of knowing God has a bigger plan for this world.” I am eternally grateful that His plan and perspective is wider and deeper than anything I can humanly comprehend. His promises are for eternity.

Let Us Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today seeking peace that only comes from You. Help me to withstand the constant pressures, anxiety and uncertainty that threaten to take over and steal my peace. Help me to not be anxious, for You have the perfect plan for me and I trust You. Father, as I reach for Your hand, please guide me to walk with the purpose You have designed for my life. I am thankful for Your guidance, protection, mercy and grace each day. Please help me to trust You completely and to lean on You every day of my life. Things around me may not always be peaceful, but I can find peace with You in my heart. In Your precious name, Amen.