This is the second of a four-week series of readings for advent, focusing on the comfort that we can find in this season, even when we are missing someone dear to our hearts.
"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." Isaiah 9:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
When we said good-bye to our loved one, peace may have been far from our hearts. In its place was turmoil, confusion, and darkness. How could this happen? Why did it happen? Where was God in the midst of tragedy?
But the Scriptures declare that God's peace is available to those who present their requests to God in prayer. We also read here that God's peace transcends understanding. It is not something that makes sense to the world. Instead, it is surprising, and supernatural, and unexpected. It is a peace that guards our hearts with all of their confused emotions and our minds, with our tendency to doubt the truth of God's word in our hardest times.
In lighting the second Advent candle, we declare by faith that God's peace is real and possible - both peace within our hearts and peace between us and God. We declare that Jesus is the Prince of Peace promised by the prophet Isaiah so long ago, and the true and perfect peace is only possible in Him.
God, please fill our hearts with peace this Advent season. Help us to continue to present our requests to you, trusting that you do hear us, even when the answer seems so different than the desire of our hearts. Guard our emotions and our thoughts with your peace and help us to walk in victory in the days to come. Amen.
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." Isaiah 9:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
When we said good-bye to our loved one, peace may have been far from our hearts. In its place was turmoil, confusion, and darkness. How could this happen? Why did it happen? Where was God in the midst of tragedy?
But the Scriptures declare that God's peace is available to those who present their requests to God in prayer. We also read here that God's peace transcends understanding. It is not something that makes sense to the world. Instead, it is surprising, and supernatural, and unexpected. It is a peace that guards our hearts with all of their confused emotions and our minds, with our tendency to doubt the truth of God's word in our hardest times.
In lighting the second Advent candle, we declare by faith that God's peace is real and possible - both peace within our hearts and peace between us and God. We declare that Jesus is the Prince of Peace promised by the prophet Isaiah so long ago, and the true and perfect peace is only possible in Him.
God, please fill our hearts with peace this Advent season. Help us to continue to present our requests to you, trusting that you do hear us, even when the answer seems so different than the desire of our hearts. Guard our emotions and our thoughts with your peace and help us to walk in victory in the days to come. Amen.
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