Advent - 4th Sunday is Peace

Excerpts from Crosswalk.com regarding the final (4th) Sunday of Advent 2021

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

Advent is the season in which believers eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. Reading, prayer, and reflection are ways we can cultivate a sense of holy anticipation this Advent. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we meditate on the peace that Jesus brings to our hearts and our world. Scripture is the place we can find the promises of God. Let us meditate on these truths and allow them to comfort our hearts this Advent season!

The fourth candle of Advent is called the “Angel Candle” and symbolizes peace. This name comes from the fact that the angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace (Luke 2:14). This week we are reminded that Jesus came to bring peace to our hearts and to our world! We will focus our hearts on the “Lord of peace” who came down from heaven in the form of a baby. God knows that we are in a constant battle against fear! Fear wants to cripple us, to push us to react rather than carefully respond, and fear steals our joy. God has given us the gift of peace so we can live joy-filled lives!

Over this Advent, will you pray that God’s unexplainable peace would be evident in your heart and home? This year we all have faced so much chaos and uncertainty. God’s peace is something we need to grab onto tightly now more than ever. May God’s spirit transform the days leading up to Christmas into a time to joyfully await our King!

Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Prayer:

Father,
           Please bring Your strength and peace to Your people! We pray that Your presence is felt by all who seek You in a powerful way in this Advent season. Turn the hearts of mankind towards You. We pray that the lost turn to You and find an unshakable peace that nothing else in this world can offer. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.