Day 15: Real Peace

Welcome to our 25 day Advent study and Advent Calendar which we are preparing through November to be able to use in December.   Each day has a Bible Study related to Advent, a worship video, a passage telling the Christmas Story and a Bible verse to ise on your Advent Calendar.  You can download the PDF with today's study and verses here.

Advent Study
“... the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:5-7

We hear a lot about “peace on earth” at Christmas, especially from the chorus of angels in Luke 2:14 who sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Yet we don’t see peace on earth, even among Christians.

Although Jesus was peaceful, He endured much violence and hatred. He also knew that because we are sinners in a sinful world, we would not live completely peaceful lives either. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His followers, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness... Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me” (Matthew 5:10-11).

The peace that will “guard your heart” is not a peace you can readily see; this peace comes from trusting in Jesus for your salvation from sin. Since Christ has saved us and remains near to us, we can be at peace even during the worst trials the world would bring. It is not a peace that comes from a lack of conflict; it is a confidence that Jesus will rescue us no matter how difficult the situation.

Prayer
Lord, in the midst of the chaos and emotions of the season, I pray for the peace that only you can offer. I want the world to see my peace and joy so they will want to know you. Amen.

Ponder
What are you worried about? Have you prayed about it and asked God to give you peace? Think about your confidence that Jesus is your Savior and rescuer. What does that peace and confidence look like for you?



Worship Video



Christmas Story
Luke 2:8-12
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”


Bible Verse
Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.


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