This month, our messages are focusing on Advent and what it means. Last week’s Advent theme was Hope. As Christ’s followers, we are to look forward with eager anticipation of the second coming of Christ as He returns for His beloved. 

I’m looking forward to that day. Christ’s return for His children is the Hope that sustains us and gives us Peace in our chaotic world.

This week’s Advent focus is Peace. The second candle, sometimes called the Bethlehem Candle, is purple like the Hope candle and represents Love and Peace—the love God has for us and our love for Him and others.

In Isaiah 40, It was prophesied that John the Baptist, who came ahead of our Lord, would prepare the way, proclaiming Christ’s coming. John would bring good news to the children of God.

Isaiah 40:1-5 NIV

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. 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.”

Isaiah 40:9-11 NIV

“You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and He rules with a mighty arm, See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.”

As we await His return, we must remember the kind of people we ought to be. 

2 Peter 3:8-14 NIV

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at PEACE with Him.”

Since this week’s Advent theme is Peace, let’s focus on the peace that only comes from an authentic relationship with the lover of your soul.

When our focus is to be at Peace with our Savior, we will also be at Peace with those around us. It begins with Christ first.

Phil 4-9 TPT

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell Him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always. Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of Peace will be with you in all things.”

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and anticipate His return, may our lives be lived in response to this incredible gift. It is the best gift we will ever receive. 

2 Thess 3:16 TPT

“Now, may the Lord Himself, the Lord of Peace, pour into you His Peace in every circumstance and in every possible way. The Lord’s tangible presence be with you all. “