Peace- Advent

Isaiah 9:6 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.

We often long for circumstantial peace. Situational peace. We want everything to be ok around us and then we want to protect that. Often humanity has pursued and protected peace in some not-so-peaceful ways. We do pursue peace by trying to get away from everything and withdraw. We pursue peace by staying busy so we can’t feel the things that unsettle us. We pursue peace by trying to get everyone to get along and not dealing with the problem at hand. The problem is we can’t create external peace if we don’t possess internal peace. This is something that needs developed, practiced, and matured. Then we can work from a place of peace instead of working for peace.

1. Name something that disrupt your sense of peace on a regular basis. What is Jesus inviting you into regarding that situation right now?

2. Jesus, the prince of peace, brought a lot of disruption in his time. How do you understand Jesus being the prince of peace? What does that mean to you?

3. Philippians 4:7 is a verse often quoted about peace. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What does this mean to you?

4. What is one thing you could do to increase internal peace (regardless of circumstance) in your life this year?