Advent - Week 3 - Peace

For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us.
And the government will rest upon His shoulders.
These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end.
He will rule forever with fairness and justice from
the throne of His ancestor David. The passionate
commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!
(Isaiah 9:6-7, NLT)

Peace permeates Advent’s third week.  The peace of God offers clarity, perspective, and calm.  We are tried and tested by the daily events and experiences of life, but God’s loving, peaceful presence is a constant and reassuring touch.

On the evening of the Savior’s birth, the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors” (Luke 2:14).  Peace on earth requires peace in the nations.  Peace in our nation requires peace in our communities.  Peace in our communities requires peace in our families.  Peace in our families requires peace in our individual lives.  Peace in our individual lives won’t happen until the Prince of Peace rules and reigns in our hearts.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace!  He came at Christmas to offer us three kinds of peace: peace with God, the peace of God, and peace with others.  Peace with God requires that we surrender to Him by receiving the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Peace of God requires that we trust His loving care and wisdom, living one day at a time.  Peace with others involves letting go of hurts and resentments and walking in forgiveness, for reconciliation is at the heart of the restoration of peace.

Prayer:
LORD, Thank You for the peace Jesus promised.  Grant that we may live at peace with everyone, making every effort to do what leads to peace.  Heal our wounded hearts; make peace in the place of conflict; grant love in the place of revenge; build hope where fear prevailed.  Let the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ rule in our hearts, now and forever.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Week 3 Daily Reading:
Mon:    Isa. 52:7
Tue:     John 14:27
Wed:   Isa. 26:3,12
Thu:     Psa. 119:165
Fri:       Psa. 29:11
Sat:      Matt. 5:23-24