Peace
On this second Sunday of Advent, we relight The Hope Candle and light The Bethlehem Candle, The Candle of PEACE.
(LIGHT TWO PURPLE CANDLES)
The prophet Isaiah said: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace!” Isaiah 9:6
The essential ministry of Jesus Christ was to bring peace between lost man and a holy God. In Ephesians 2:14-15, the Apostle Paul said: “For He Himself (meaning Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier; the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law, with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace!”
The essential purpose of the presence of Christ in our lives is to give us His peace in the midst of our turmoil. In John 14:27, Jesus told His disciples: “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!”
In 2 Thessalonians 3:16, the Apostle Paul said: “Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. In Galatians 5:22, the Apostle said: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law!” When the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus!” (Philippians 4:7) In Colossians 3:15, the Apostle Paul admonished us: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful!”
In Isaiah 40:3-5, the prophet said he was, “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
- Also read: Psalm 72:18; Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 1:26-38
- Suggested hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel
