Week Two: Peace
December 7th - 13th
Peace isn’t the absence of noise, pressure, or difficulty. It’s the presence of Christ in the middle of it. As we move through the second week of Advent, we remember that Jesus brings a kind of peace the world cannot give. This peace may not change our circumstances, but it can change our hearts.
Advent peace settles us. It slows us down and invites us to trust. Not because everything is calm, but because Christ has come, and He will come again.
Advent peace settles us. It slows us down and invites us to trust. Not because everything is calm, but because Christ has come, and He will come again.
Community Practice
Whether you’re with friends, family, or even enjoying some quiet time by yourself, take a moment to put this week’s focus into practice. Start by finding a visible spot in your home to set up your Advent candles. Here are a few simple steps to guide you.
Step One: Proclaim
Light the first two candle of the Advent season, representing Hope and Peace, and proclaim aloud:
The second candle of Advent represents God’s PEACE which is given to us through God’s saving grace, His Son, Jesus Christ. I declare God’s word in Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto 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.” Praise God for the peace that has come into the world
Step Two: Share
Encourage everyone to take a moment to share or meditate on their own thoughts, feelings, or personal experiences related to the week’s theme as the candles are lit. Whether it’s a story or simply a moment of silence, allow this time to deepen your understanding and connection to the significance of the season.
In what areas of your life do you want to see the peace of God reign?
Step Three: Pray
Spend time together praying, thanking God for the peace represented by the candles and ask for His guidance as you continue through the Advent season.
Lord, thank you that you would send your only Son, Jesus, to earth to save us from sin. Help us to trust in Jesus fully, as you give us abundant peace, a peace that transcends all understanding. Keep us from overlooking your wonderful story of Christmas this Advent season. Amen.
Step Four: Caroling & Community
Finish your time by singing a Christmas carol together or listening to a Christmas playlist as you continue with your day. Allow the candle to stay lit for the rest of the time you are together as a reminder of God’s peace this Advent season.
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by George Whitefield
Step One: Proclaim
Light the first two candle of the Advent season, representing Hope and Peace, and proclaim aloud:
The second candle of Advent represents God’s PEACE which is given to us through God’s saving grace, His Son, Jesus Christ. I declare God’s word in Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto 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.” Praise God for the peace that has come into the world
Step Two: Share
Encourage everyone to take a moment to share or meditate on their own thoughts, feelings, or personal experiences related to the week’s theme as the candles are lit. Whether it’s a story or simply a moment of silence, allow this time to deepen your understanding and connection to the significance of the season.
In what areas of your life do you want to see the peace of God reign?
Step Three: Pray
Spend time together praying, thanking God for the peace represented by the candles and ask for His guidance as you continue through the Advent season.
Lord, thank you that you would send your only Son, Jesus, to earth to save us from sin. Help us to trust in Jesus fully, as you give us abundant peace, a peace that transcends all understanding. Keep us from overlooking your wonderful story of Christmas this Advent season. Amen.
Step Four: Caroling & Community
Finish your time by singing a Christmas carol together or listening to a Christmas playlist as you continue with your day. Allow the candle to stay lit for the rest of the time you are together as a reminder of God’s peace this Advent season.
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by George Whitefield
Day 1: Peace Through Trust
Scripture: Isaiah 26:1-4
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Peace isn’t found in having all the answers. It’s found in fixing our minds on God. Isaiah reminds us that when our thoughts are settled on the character and faithfulness of God, peace will follow.
Pray: Lord, help me keep my thoughts fixed on You so I can rest in Your peace.
Contemplate: What most often disrupts your peace? How can you give that over to God?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Peace isn’t found in having all the answers. It’s found in fixing our minds on God. Isaiah reminds us that when our thoughts are settled on the character and faithfulness of God, peace will follow.
Pray: Lord, help me keep my thoughts fixed on You so I can rest in Your peace.
Contemplate: What most often disrupts your peace? How can you give that over to God?
Day 2: Peace that Guards
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: God’s peace is protective. It stands like a guard over our hearts and minds. When we come to Him with honesty and trust, He doesn’t just hear us. He steadies us.
Pray: God, I bring You my anxious thoughts. Guard my heart with the peace only You can give.
Contemplate: What might it look like for you to invite peace in through prayer this week? For example, dedicating multiple 5 minute reminders throughout the day to stop and pray for peace?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: God’s peace is protective. It stands like a guard over our hearts and minds. When we come to Him with honesty and trust, He doesn’t just hear us. He steadies us.
Pray: God, I bring You my anxious thoughts. Guard my heart with the peace only You can give.
Contemplate: What might it look like for you to invite peace in through prayer this week? For example, dedicating multiple 5 minute reminders throughout the day to stop and pray for peace?
Day 3: Waiting with Peace
Scripture: Psalm 27:13-14
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Pay attention to the tension between strength and stillness. Waiting can feel like weakness, but in God’s presence, it is a form of strength. Peace often shows up not in doing more, but in surrendering and staying put in God’s care.
Pray: Father, help me wait on You with courage and peace, even when I don’t see what’s next.
Contemplate: How can waiting be an act of trust instead of frustration? What might you be waiting for?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Pay attention to the tension between strength and stillness. Waiting can feel like weakness, but in God’s presence, it is a form of strength. Peace often shows up not in doing more, but in surrendering and staying put in God’s care.
Pray: Father, help me wait on You with courage and peace, even when I don’t see what’s next.
Contemplate: How can waiting be an act of trust instead of frustration? What might you be waiting for?
Day 4: God With Us
Scripture: Matthew 1:20-23
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Take a moment and let the name “Immanuel” settle in your mind. The promise of peace is rooted in presence. God didn’t stay far off. He came near. Advent peace is not about escape. It’s about knowing we are not alone.
Pray: Immanuel, thank you for coming close. Remind me today that You are with me.
Contemplate: In what areas of life do you most need to remember God is with you?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Take a moment and let the name “Immanuel” settle in your mind. The promise of peace is rooted in presence. God didn’t stay far off. He came near. Advent peace is not about escape. It’s about knowing we are not alone.
Pray: Immanuel, thank you for coming close. Remind me today that You are with me.
Contemplate: In what areas of life do you most need to remember God is with you?
Day 5: A Quiet Arrival
Scripture: Luke 2:6-7 (Again)
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Notice the character of God in this scene. Jesus didn’t enter with spectacle or noise. He came quietly, simply, and gently. The Prince of Peace chose a manger over a throne. His peace arrives the same way; softly, but powerfully.
Pray: Jesus, quiet my heart so I don’t miss the peace You’re offering me today.
Contemplate: What noise in your life might you need to turn down this week?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Notice the character of God in this scene. Jesus didn’t enter with spectacle or noise. He came quietly, simply, and gently. The Prince of Peace chose a manger over a throne. His peace arrives the same way; softly, but powerfully.
Pray: Jesus, quiet my heart so I don’t miss the peace You’re offering me today.
Contemplate: What noise in your life might you need to turn down this week?
Day 6: Peace Spoken by Jesus
Scripture: John 14:25-27
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Jesus doesn’t just talk about peace, He gives it. His words are more than comfort; they’re a promise. Even in fear or confusion, His peace remains.
Pray: Jesus, I receive Your peace. Help me trust that it is enough for today.
Contemplate: What difference does it make to know Jesus Himself gave you His peace?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Jesus doesn’t just talk about peace, He gives it. His words are more than comfort; they’re a promise. Even in fear or confusion, His peace remains.
Pray: Jesus, I receive Your peace. Help me trust that it is enough for today.
Contemplate: What difference does it make to know Jesus Himself gave you His peace?
Day 7: Ruled by Peace
Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Letting peace rule means letting Jesus lead. In other words, surrender. When peace is in charge, fear loses power. The more we make room for Christ in our hearts, the more peace fills the space.
Pray: Christ, rule in my heart today. Let peace lead me, not fear or pressure.
Contemplate: What would it look like to let peace guide your words, your schedule, or your decisions?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Letting peace rule means letting Jesus lead. In other words, surrender. When peace is in charge, fear loses power. The more we make room for Christ in our hearts, the more peace fills the space.
Pray: Christ, rule in my heart today. Let peace lead me, not fear or pressure.
Contemplate: What would it look like to let peace guide your words, your schedule, or your decisions?
End of Week Reflection
Using the space below or on a separate paper, answer this question: Where have you experienced the peace of Christ this week, either as a quiet presence or a needed reminder, and how is God calling you to carry that peace into the days ahead?