Peace
During the busiest time of year, we may feel anything but peaceful. Shopping lists, decorating, holiday baking, and more - there aren’t enough hours (or patience) in a day. But it is possible to have a peace that passes all understanding, and it’s all because of Jesus.
This week, we light the candle of Peace.
Read: Luke 2:1-20
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”—Luke 2:14 NLT
When Jesus was born, He gave us the gift of peace. It became available to us all. In a turbulent world, the peace of God gives us a comfort that transcends all of our circumstances.
Journal: What circumstances are difficult during this Christmas season? Do you feel peace about these circumstances? Why or why not?
Obtaining peace isn’t like a vending machine. We don’t insert prayer and choose what we think will help. God sends peace in many different ways. He sees our anxiety, broken relationships, and fear. He knows just what we need. Our Prince of Peace came to earth so that He can give us what nothing else can give:
The birth of our Savior brings us inner peace. It’s something many long for but often can’t find. Some chase it in all the wrong places only to feel the sting of its absence more strongly than before. One of the core values of Opendoor is that it’s ok to not be ok, but we won’t stay that way. Jesus’ birth provided an answer. He gave us the hope of salvation and the blessed inner peace that it brings.
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:—Luke 2:28-31 NIV
Not only does He promise us eternal life, but He promises to be with us in any circumstance too. Whether it’s difficult news from the doctor, a marriage in shambles, or a child who has drifted far away, He can give us inner peace. The situation may not change right away or it may never change at all, but He promises to give us unexplainable peace in the midst of the struggle.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Journal: What is something that reminds you of the hope you have in Jesus and helps you feel more peaceful?
The birth of our Savior brings us peace with others. Relationships are hard, even with the people we love the most. We must deal with relationships in every aspect of our lives, and we don’t always agree. Culture shows us we should fight to be right, sacrificing friends and family along the way; but the Prince of Peace shows us something very different.
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.—Galatians 3:28 NIV
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,—Ephesians 2:14 NIV
Jesus came to earth to break barriers, tear down walls, and unite us as one in the family of God. No one demonstrated peace better than Jesus. He was falsely accused, beaten, and hated. His own friends betrayed Him when pressured by the crowds. But Jesus showed us what it means to bring peace where there is chaos, and He wants us to follow His lead.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.—Colossians 3:15 NIV
Journal: Who do you need to make peace with this Christmas season? What can you do to begin the process?
So as we close out this season of Advent, let’s reflect on all that God’s done. He’s given us Hope of eternal life in Heaven with Him, unconditional Love in spite of our many mistakes, true Joy even when life doesn’t go our way, and ultimate Peace that only Jesus can give. Don’t let this Christmas Season go by without thanking God for all of these precious gifts and stepping into the fullness of His love today.
Activation: Take your journal entries from this devotional and activate them this week. Journal the steps you take.
Prayer Prompt: Write a prayer thanking God for the gifts of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.
This week, we light the candle of Peace.
Read: Luke 2:1-20
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”—Luke 2:14 NLT
When Jesus was born, He gave us the gift of peace. It became available to us all. In a turbulent world, the peace of God gives us a comfort that transcends all of our circumstances.
Journal: What circumstances are difficult during this Christmas season? Do you feel peace about these circumstances? Why or why not?
Obtaining peace isn’t like a vending machine. We don’t insert prayer and choose what we think will help. God sends peace in many different ways. He sees our anxiety, broken relationships, and fear. He knows just what we need. Our Prince of Peace came to earth so that He can give us what nothing else can give:
The birth of our Savior brings us inner peace. It’s something many long for but often can’t find. Some chase it in all the wrong places only to feel the sting of its absence more strongly than before. One of the core values of Opendoor is that it’s ok to not be ok, but we won’t stay that way. Jesus’ birth provided an answer. He gave us the hope of salvation and the blessed inner peace that it brings.
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:—Luke 2:28-31 NIV
Not only does He promise us eternal life, but He promises to be with us in any circumstance too. Whether it’s difficult news from the doctor, a marriage in shambles, or a child who has drifted far away, He can give us inner peace. The situation may not change right away or it may never change at all, but He promises to give us unexplainable peace in the midst of the struggle.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Journal: What is something that reminds you of the hope you have in Jesus and helps you feel more peaceful?
The birth of our Savior brings us peace with others. Relationships are hard, even with the people we love the most. We must deal with relationships in every aspect of our lives, and we don’t always agree. Culture shows us we should fight to be right, sacrificing friends and family along the way; but the Prince of Peace shows us something very different.
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.—Galatians 3:28 NIV
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,—Ephesians 2:14 NIV
Jesus came to earth to break barriers, tear down walls, and unite us as one in the family of God. No one demonstrated peace better than Jesus. He was falsely accused, beaten, and hated. His own friends betrayed Him when pressured by the crowds. But Jesus showed us what it means to bring peace where there is chaos, and He wants us to follow His lead.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.—Colossians 3:15 NIV
Journal: Who do you need to make peace with this Christmas season? What can you do to begin the process?
So as we close out this season of Advent, let’s reflect on all that God’s done. He’s given us Hope of eternal life in Heaven with Him, unconditional Love in spite of our many mistakes, true Joy even when life doesn’t go our way, and ultimate Peace that only Jesus can give. Don’t let this Christmas Season go by without thanking God for all of these precious gifts and stepping into the fullness of His love today.
Activation: Take your journal entries from this devotional and activate them this week. Journal the steps you take.
Prayer Prompt: Write a prayer thanking God for the gifts of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.
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