Advent Devotions Week 2: Peace
This week's candle is all about peace. People in our world today talk a lot about peace. Christmas cards say it. Miss America tells us she will work for "world peace." Politicians strive for "peace through diplomacy." Rock and roll tells us to "imagine" how great our lives would be with peace. But even a young child can look at the world and understand that peace is far more complicated than all of these ideas put together! In the following passages of scripture, your family will explore how peace can be obtained in this life and the next, and how it all goes back to Jesus and what he did for us.
Monday - Genesis 26:12-22. We Americans don't let anyone push us around, right? "Don't Tread On Me" is the slogan that carried us through the Revolutionary War. But when Isaac was provoked again and again, he simply moved on and started over, giving up his claim to water in a desert land where water was everything. Some things are clearly worth fighting for, but Isaac compromised in order to keep peace with his enemies, and further reading in this chapter shows us that he was rewarded for it. When you pray together, ask God for wisdom on when to fight and when to give in for peace. Write (or print from your computer) 1 Peter 3:11 and have your kids decorate it, then display it in your house for the rest of this week.
Tuesday - Psalm 3. This short Psalm was written during a time of major conflict in David's life--he was fleeing for his life from his jealous son, Absolom! Yet verse 5 tells us that David slept peacefully. How did he do that? Because he had peace despite his circumstances. He had peace knowing that God was in control and that God heard his prayers. Is there anything on your heart that you need to give to God? It could be something that's going on in your own family, or a burden you feel for a conflict that is going on somewhere else in the world. Give it to God in prayer and sleep well tonight.
Wednesday - Luke 21:25. Jesus talked often about his return. This one verse in the midst of several that predict suffering and confict give us a glimpse of why we should fear not! Mom and Dad, read the preceeding chapter and decide how much you want your kids to read or if you want to put things in your own words. All that talk of earthquakes, famines, wars, betrayal, and destruction can be kinda scary to sensitive little ones. But never forget that we should look forward with joy to the coming reign of the Prince of Peace! Pray together, telling Jesus that you are ready for him to return and bring peace to our broken world.
Thursday - John 14:27. This verse provides a great way to discuss with your kids why we give gifts at Christmas! I love the traditions of Santa like everyone else. I sit down with my kids to help them write their letters and I take them to the post office to drop it off. But this verse reminds me that Santa can never bring the gifts that Jesus has already bestowed, freely and graciously! We only need to accept it from him. Pray together, thanking him for this gift of peace of mind and heart. Also pray individually for your kids if they haven't accepted it yet, that they one day will.
Friday - Romans 5:1-2. It doesn't matter that the brightest political minds may figure out how to have world peace if we don't have peace with God. It doesn't matter how calm and orderly your life is if you don't have peace with God. Take turns reading these verses, replacing all of the pronouns with "I/my" because claiming this kind of peace is ALL that matters. This is the Christmas story. This is why Jesus came! Offer a prayer of heatfelt and humble thanksgiving tonight for all God has done for you.