Today, we light the second Advent candle. This candle represents Peace and Preparation.
If you remember, I made a list of intentional things I would do this Advent to draw closer to God. I challenge you to do the same. I am adding Peace to that list. “Find more ways to be peaceful.” There are three things that bring me peace; reading scripture, listening to music and praying.
Isaiah 9:6; has become my go-to this season.
“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.
How can I make Jesus my Prince of Peace?
It is easy to receive Jesus as a little baby. But what about the Jesus at the well with the woman telling her to sin no more? Or the Jesus that washes your dirty feet? How about the Jesus that turns over the money tables and calls the Pharisees out. Or the Jesus that weeps with his friends and then raises Lazarus from the dead with his words?
It is easy to gaze into the eyes of a precious baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, but can you look into the eyes of HE who hung on the cross for you?
The only way to make Jesus your Prince of Peace is to make Him the Lord of your life. That means you have to get to know Him. The One who was willing to die for me and you.
As He hung there on the cross, in those last moments, Jesus loved us so much, He asked God, “forgive them for they know not what they do.” That forgiveness gives us everything, even peace and reconciliation, if we will receive it.
So if peace eludes you this Christmas, there is an antidote for that. His name is Jesus, The Prince of Peace and He has been waiting for you.
First, make Jesus the Lord of your life. Sincerely ask Jesus to come into your heart.
Next, pray a prayer like this, “Father God, I have not loved you with my whole heart. I have not loved my neighbor as myself. Forgive me. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus to show me the way. Thank you that through His death and resurrection, I have been reconciled to You. Show me how to be everything You have created me to be. Amen.”
Peace of Christ
If you prayed this prayer, this is worth rejoicing!
Scripture tells us in Philippians 4:6-8; “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
In John 14:28, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”
May the Peace of Christ find you this Christmas. May it settle in your heart and in your home.
Let us pray,
Oh God of peace, grant in us the stillness we need to hear you. Teach us how to make Jesus the Lord of our lives. Thank you for your Word and for your peace. May that peace extend from me into the whole world. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
P.S. Don’t miss the song below. If you can’t see it, open this message from your browser. This song gives me so much peace. Leave me a comment below and tell me where you find peace. Forward this message to a friend that might need a reminder of Christ’s peace. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. -M
