Light Advent Candle:
- HOPE Candle – Purple
- LOVE Candle – Purple
- JOY Candle – Pink
- PEACE Candle – Purple
Scripture Reading:
“For unto 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, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6, NIV
Advent Hymn:
Prayer:
God, I thank you for all that you have done and will do. Holy is your name. I pray for peace, not just for calmness, but for my heart to be filled with your peace and never-ending love. I pray that I will grow stronger in my faith and to trust you in all things. Give me strength in my times of trouble. Only you know what I need. Let peace rule my thoughts and my tongue. Make me into the person you want me to be. Amen.
Coloring Page:
Download a FREE Coloring Page for this week.
“Serenity Now!”
If only just saying these words, would produce such results. I often hear my Mom jokingly walk through the house chanting (or pleading) “Serenity Now! Serenity Now!” as if just saying those words will work. It usually just gets us more excited and torment her all the more. It’s fun to pluck her last nerve!
This phrase is from a Seinfield episode, where they celebrate “Festivus for the Rest of Us.” They use a plain aluminum pole as a tree. They have dinner, Feats of Strength (wrestling, etc.), and the Airing of Grievances. My parents love it…
“The airing of grievances will now commence!“
It’s what other people would also call a “come to Jesus moment.“… Tell it like it is…. Don’t hold back, bring it on! …or… Tell me how you really feel.
Tell me does it work? The screamer/teller feels better. I guess if the other person responds and “tells all” they feel better. Maybe they do “air out” their grievances, come to an “understanding,” and all is better. But, I think it can also backfire. I think unless said parties come to “an understanding,” they have just created more strife.
As Christians, we are supposed to be peacemakers, not makers of strife.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” ~ Matthew 5:9, KJV
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” ~ James 3:16-18, KJV
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” ~ Romans 12:18, ESV
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” ~ Hebrews 12:14, ESV
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11, NIV
We know that Peace is one of the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). But why don’t we always feel at peace? I would say peace is more than a feeling, but also an understanding. A trust that our heavenly Father wants the best for us. His intentions are pure. Faith that He has provided us with hope & eternal life.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV
God never said that we would not have problems or troubles (tribulations). In fact, the opposite.
“…knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~ Romans 5:3-5, NKJV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33, NIV
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13, NIV
That doesn’t mean that God doesn’t want us to call on Him in our time of need. When we are worried, fearful, or full of anxiety – call on the Lord! He is our Father, who cares for us, and wants to provide comfort and peace. He knows what is best for us. He will provide calm during the storm. The trials and tribulations may still exist, but we know that God is still with us and everything has a purpose. No matter what happens, we know “it is well with my soul.”
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ~ John 14:27, KJV
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV
What is this peace that passes all understanding? It is more than an end to war. It is more than stillness or quietness. It is seeing the world, the way God sees it. To see one another with love and understanding. To see another the way God sees them. To love one another the way God loves. To have peace is to know God.
Anyone who has tasted the full peace of God, craves it all the more. The world may keep spinning and the busyness of the day may continue around you, but you can calmly experience the peace and joy of God’s love with strength and confidence. It is only through this type of peace that we can truly experience the world the way God intended it to be.
This Peace that passes all understanding allows us to approach the world and spread God’s love.
There are times in our spiritual life when we are closer to God and times when we let the world come between us.
When we are close to God, the Holy Spirit stirs in us with God’s understanding and fills us with His peace and love. We crave His Word. We pray more earnestly. We obey more readily. Our hearts and souls are awakened and we are “on fire for God.” We want to spread the Good News that Jesus Christ is born! He is our Lord and Savior! We want ALL to know!
The cares of this world pale in comparison to our desire to follow God’s will for our life. In our excitement and love for Christ, we receive serenity that this world and it’s problems will not overwhelm us, for we are safe & secure in our Savior’s arm. For if Christ is for us, who can be against us!?
We want to praise His holy name, for he is Wonderful. For He is Mighty. We Rejoice at the Hope that Christ brings for His Kingdom will reign Forever & Ever.
Jesus is the Prince whose coming brings Peace. With Jesus’ first coming – His birth, death, & resurrection – He has already established Peace between God & Man. Jesus will make all things right. The fullness of his blessing will be with Jesus’ return – His second coming – when He establishes His never-ending Kingdom of PEACE here on earth.
“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” ~ Isaiah 9:7, ESV
To God be the Glory, for the things he has done.
With his blood he has saved me.
With his power he has raised me.
To GOD be the Glory, for the things he has done.
My Tribute (To God be the Glory) by Andrae Crouch
