For the second week in Advent, we focus on PEACE.
In John 14:27, Jesus said,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Two purple candles are lit. Let’s say this prayer together. 🗣️🙏🏼
Prince of Peace, reveal Yourself to us today. We need peace in our lives, our homes, our families, our church, and our whole world. Help us to slow down and seek out the peace You provide, so we may become peacemakers for ourselves and others. In Your name, Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.
Let’s take a look at the meaning of Peacemakers.
Outline of Biblical Usage:
a state of national tranquility
exemption from the rage and havoc of war
peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
of the Messiah's peace
the way that leads to peace (salvation)
of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
-Matthew 5:9 NKJV
How joyful you are when you make peace! For then you will be recognized as a true child of God.
-Matthew 5:9 TPT
Here is a clip from the series The Chosen of Jesus speaking on the beatitudes where this passage above is mentioned: https://youtu.be/02hbIq7rFDs
May you feel His power and peace as He speaks these words over you.
I love when Jesus said to Matthew, “if someone wants to find me, those are the groups they should look for.” And Matthew asks, “and then?” Jesus responded, “you are the salt of the earth.” All the blessed attitudes in us is a sign of Him working through us. This was His way of showing a map or guide for others to find and experience these beautiful ways through relationship with each other and the Father.
I’m curious, what does peace mean to you?
Could it be Financial? Relational? Emotional? Familial? Work? Children?
When do you have peace? What does it take to hold on to your peace? Do you have a practice for carrying peace? Do you believe peace comes and goes depending on the day and demands?
Here are a few verses that speak about peace that might spark a thought.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
-Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
-Colossians 3:15 NKJV
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
-Hebrews 12:14 NKJV
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
-Numbers 6:26 NKJV
When you ask Jesus into your heart, you have inherited the Prince of Peace. He lives inside of you. Just like Spider-Man when he got bit by the spider, things changed, as the movie goes. It’s the same for the body of Christ when you are truly encountered by His presence. And you will know if you have had that experience. You can never go back, for you want more of His divine presence ruling and reigning in your life. There is something tangible, even magnetic, about connecting with the one who created us and who can also communicate with us. These verses remind me, and hopefully you, of who the Prince of Peace can be for you and me. When you are confident He is working on your behalf, and you can connect to your heart for guidance, peace resides. Peace abides. Peace lingers long after we walk out of the room. Peace fills the room. Peace started in a womb.
I don’t know about you, but I want to make space in my heart for peace to reside and thrive.
Tune in next week for more Advent story sharing and more on Mary, for she was the favored one who truly carried peace in her womb. Amen.
Until next time,
Stay Tender
Be a Sender
Connect to the Mender