The Advent Virtual Pilgrimage of Peace comes at no cost to you. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/magdala-advent-yt-en to get access to the daily Advent Calendar that accompanies the weekly videos. Isaiah 9: 1, 2, 5 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom, a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy... For a child is born to us. Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever Prince of Peace. In this first week, we explore the meaning of peace in its historical and current contexts. Peace can mean an absence of conflict or war, and it can also mean the possession of internal peace. The biblical understanding of peace connects these ideas: the absence of conflict, war, bloodshed, and pain, and the presence of something better. In Hebrew, the term "Shalom" is often translated as "peace” but is closer in meaning to completeness, well-being, and divine grace. At the time and place of Christ's birth, his contemporaries thought often about peace. Under the rule of Caesar Augustus, who was known as the "Prince of Peace" in the Greco-Roman world for bringing prosperity to Roman cities and uniting the fractured Roman government, the Jews and other oppressed groups experienced financial hardship and second-rate status. In this context, the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive a son she was to name Jesus, whose kingdom would never end. Jesus' kingdom is a kingdom of peace, which he brought to earth not through conflict and oppression, but through self-sacrifice. Learn more about the meaning of peace through the Bible Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLYORLZOaZE This year, people in the Holy Land are immersed in conflict, gloom, anxiety, and suffering. Let us pray for peace, desire peace, make room for peace, and work for peace to reign in our lives and in the whole world. 💟 Help us to keep developing the Magdala Project. Your donation is essential to us🫶 https://bit.ly/magdala-donate ℹ️ Discover more about Magdala 👉 https://bit.ly/magdala-en-yt Support us by purchasing our products: 🌍 Israel shop (worldwide shipping): https://bit.ly/magdalashop-en-yt 🇲🇽 Mexico Shop (shipping only in Mexico): https://bit.ly/magdalashop-en-yt 📢 Subscribe to our Newsletter 👉 https://bit.ly/magdala-newsletter 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Be part of the Magdala Family: intercessor, ambassador, volunteer... 🫶 https://bit.ly/magdalafamilymosaic 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experiencemagdala/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magdalenglish © Copyright of New Gate to Peace Foundation 2023