Advent Devotional: Week 2-Peace
The weekly prompts follow along with the Church calendar and our Sunday morning Advent messages. These are meant to focus our hearts on Jesus in our day-to-day lives rather than the fears and anxieties that can weigh us down.
Peace: To experience nothing missing, nothing broken, but complete wholeness in a person’s well-being.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10
“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.” Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah’s prophecy declares that Jesus will be our Prince of Peace. Peace in Hebrew is the word “shalom,” which means nothing broken, nothing missing, and complete wholeness. Prior to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, people made peace with God through sacrificing bulls, lambs, and other animals through a specific process to atone for their sins.
What was missing was Jesus’ sacrifice to make us right with God. Since Jesus has now atoned for our sins, all who put their faith in Him have peace with God. Not only does Jesus give us peace with God through His death, but He carried an inner peace in His life. The peace in His soul was not attached to an outcome: in storms, with the sick, or in times of lack.
Even in situations where righteous anger was appropriate, He never lashed out. And through Him, a different response is also accessible to us. Some of Jesus’s final words to His disciples echo the first words the angels declared at His birth. He said, “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.” (John 14:27).
Jesus has left us with His peace. Let your heart relax into that truth today.
PRAY: Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Prince of Peace. Thank you for reconciling us to God, for modeling peace of heart, and for giving us peace. We ask for greater awareness of the peace You have given us. Allow that peace to silence fear in me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
REFLECT: Where can you receive the peace that Jesus offers in your life this week?