Advent Week 2 – Peace
Theme of Peace
This week we relit the first candle of HOPE, and lit the candle for the second Sunday in Advent. This
is the candle of PEACE.
Scripture and Reflection
As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace. From
the Gospel of Luke:
Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God
and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor
rests.’”
Jesus is sent by the Father to bring peace between God and man. We are caught up in struggle,
strife, and sin. Jesus doesn’t come, however, to smooth over our conflicts. Nor does he come with
armed might to force us to lay down our arms. Rather, he comes to die for the sins that lie at the heart
of our rebellion against him. The Prince of Peace takes upon himself our sins and unrest. As Isaiah
put it,
Isaiah 53:5b, NIV
“the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are
healed.”
To receive his peace this Christmas, come to him in surrender and, through this act of faith, receive
his grace of forgiveness and rest.
Bible Project: PEACE
Reflection Questions
- The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future king who would make a covenant of
shalom (peace, well-being) with his people. This king would set the world right and heal all that
has been harmed. Read Isaiah 9:6-7. What specific words or phrases stand out to you as you
observe this passage and why?
- The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of the Prince of Peace, whose reign would
lead to eternal shalom. Jesus’ arrival fulfilled Isaiah’s words. Read and reflect on Luke 2:9-15
as a group. Why do you think God announced the King’s arrival to no-name shepherds? What
does this tell you about the nature of God and his Kingdom?
- The biblical story shows how humanity often chooses a way of life apart from God and suffers
as a result. According to Colossians 1:19-23, what did God want to do to remedy this pain, and
how did he accomplish his desire through Jesus?
- Jesus offers his peace to all people as a gift. Read Ephesians 2:11-16. How did Jesus make
peace between two sharply divided people groups (Jews and Gentiles), and why did he do it
(see Ephesians 2:16)?
- Now, let’s carefully read Ephesians 4:1-3. How can humility, gentleness, patience, and love
help maintain the unity Jesus calls his followers to? What happens to unity when one of these
virtues is missing?
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