PEACE

The fourth candle marks the final week of Advent. This final candle is called the “Angel’s Candle” and it symbolizes peace. It is a reminder of the message that the angels brought: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

“Unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given and the government will be on his shoulders and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Jesus is our ultimate source of peace; all authority has been given to Him; He is our perfect counselor; He is mighty—strong enough to calm any storm. He is the expressed heart of our loving Father in human flesh and He is our peace!

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”—John 14:27

Paul reminds us in Colossians 3 that we are called to peace in one body and that we are to let that peace—that very peace of Jesus—rule in our hearts.

In these few days left before Christmas may we, let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

Below are a few things that Paul asks us to LET happen.

Let . . .

            Thankfulness fill your heart,

            The word of Christ dwell in your richly . . .

                        Teaching and admonishing each other with all wisdom . . .

                        Encouraging each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

            Your hearts give thanks to the Father through Jesus!

  • Take a moment to just make space in your heart. Think about all you have, all you don’t have, all your longings and all the ways God has filled those longings and also how you still hunger for them to be filled. Now, just LET there be thankfulness.
  • In your stillness, read John 13-14 if you have more time, read all the way from John 13-17:5. (After doing so, we invite you to share in our community discussion whatever God might be teaching or admonishing you through the logic of His spoken word and life.]
  • Does a song or a Psalm stir in your heart or has been ministering to you throughout the year? We’d love it if you shared it with us. Tell us how it’s blessed you or maybe how it’s brought you peace.
  • After going through this process, once again, let there be thanks . . . where does that thanks come from? Is it a gift? Is it maybe Immanuel—God with us, revealed in us?

You can download a PDF of the above content here:  Advent: “PEACE” (Week 4)

Did you know we’re discussing these things in a Facebook group at Hope For All Connection Group? We’d love it if you shared your thoughts there in the comments section under the Advent post titled “PEACE” (Week 4). For more details about how to participate in that conversation go to HopeForAllConnection.com , click on “What’s New?” And follow the instructions on the “Advent Discussion” slide.


*These questions and reflections were prepared by Kimberly Weynen, Peter Hiett’s assistant.