The Word Became Flesh: The Word of Peace
Advent Week Two
The Word Became Flesh: The Word of Peace
“Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a Son, and the rest of His brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And He will be our peace” (Micah 5: 3 – 5a).
Captain Joshua Hinson
Director of Mission and Ministry
Evangeline Booth College
USA Southern Territory
The Bethlehem Candle
Christmas is getting closer! Can you feel the excitement growing? We continue to wait patiently on the Christ child. To help us reflect during this season, we light candles reminding us of the blessing brought through the Word. On the second week of Advent, we light the candle of hope, often called the Bethlehem candle. It reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s expedition to the place of Jesus’ birth. Each of us is on a journey, and this Christmas, we are invited into their story, traveling while expectant. Long is the road, but the result is worth it. Wherever you are today, rest in God’s peace. God offers to all who will come to Him.
The Word of Peace
Peace is a gift. Amid the storms of life, an argument, a turbulent season at work, when the waves of life seem like they are crashing over the side of the boat, we need the peace of God. Will you receive it?
One night, as the disciples were at sea while Jesus slept, a furious squall nearly swamped their boat. Fearfully, the disciples woke Jesus amidst the turmoil. “Don’t you care?” With just a few words, Jesus calmed the storm. In a similar way, Jesus spoke peace into the tumultuous world with His birth.
Prince of Peace
Often, we find ourselves troubled like the disciples, searching for peace. In those moments, Christ can speak peace in our situation. This does not mean that the storm subsides. Instead, we are offered His presence in the chaos, and our faith comforts us as Jesus is with us in the boat. This Christmas, we celebrate the Prince of Peace, who sees the turmoil and offers a supernatural calm in the storm.
“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).
A World in Need of Peace
Just as in Jesus’ day, the world needs peace. We continue to hear wars and rumors of war, see long-held enmity one with another, and experience broken relationships. The world was not designed to be this way. In the Garden of Eden, our first parents lived in the peace of God. How fleeting peace now seems. And while the world needs peace, we can make this prayer personal. We need peace in our lives. In this noisy, busy world, a moment of respite and quiet would comfort our souls. However, we often fight with our thoughts, driven by worry, instead of resting in peace. The beauty of the promise of Christmas is God knows our need for peace, and He sent us a word of peace. Let us pray again that God would send His peace to you fresh this Advent.
Peace on Earth
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2: 13 – 14).
Lord, we seek your favor. Let your peace rest on us. We join in with the angels heralding the birth of the Prince of Peace. Make it real in our hearts.
It came upon the midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth goodwill to men
From heaven's all gracious King
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Advent Blessing
O Lord, our God, we praise You for the gift of Your Son, the Word, Jesus. He is Immanuel, God with us, the hope of the nations, the prince of peace, the joy to the world, the unfailing love in flesh. O Lord, our God, guide us. Bless us. In anticipation this advent season, we long to see the light of Christ anew. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
South America West Territory
Thinking It Through
Peace on earth has long been the desire of humankind. But is it attainable while sin remains on the earth? What measure of peace can we realistically have? Can any peace be found outside of a relationship with Christ?
Notable Quotables
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. - C.S. Lewis
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear", mentioned above, is a great Christmas carol to end this Advent devotion. Enjoy listening or singing along with the words provided.
We would appreciate any feedback and/or suggestions on how to improve these devotionals. Please email comments to: SpiritualLifeDevelopment@uss.salvationarmy.org or by going to our website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/spiritual-life-development.
We would love to hear from you.
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory