Advent: Peace

Christmas at Grace

“What would bring you peace this Christmas?”

The Second Candle: Peace

The second candle of Advent represents peace, reminding us of the Prince of Peace who came to restore what is broken.

Text:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:26–27, ESV)

True peace isn’t the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of Christ.

Four Questions About Perfect Peace

#1 Where Does True Peace Come From?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27, ESV)

• The world’s peace fades with every crisis, but the peace Jesus offers endures, even in chaos.

• Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV):

• “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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”

His government and His peace go hand in hand.

Where Does True Peace Come From… The Prince Of Peace

The Reign of His Peace Means:

• Forgiveness of sin.

• Healing of every hurt and disease.

• Reconciliation between God and man.

• Salvation and life.

• Provision and protection.

#2 Why Is Peace on Earth So Hard to Find?

“Not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27, ESV)

• The world can only offer the illusion of peace, but Jesus offers enduring peace.

• Biblical peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of something better—shalom.

Shalom: Wholeness, completeness, and the peace that God intended for His creation. (Verb) To take what is missing and restore it.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)

True Peace (Shalom) is hard to find on earth because we are incapable of truly healing the hurt that caused it to be lost.

Peacekeeping is not enough—it’s about peace-making.

Jesus’ Shalom:

• He brought peace between God and man.

• He offers a peace that has no end.

#3 How Can I Rest in the Peace That Surpasses Understanding?

“Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)

Merry Christmas could also mean “Don’t be afraid!”

• Jesus offers a peace that isn’t dependent on what is happening around you.

Don’t let what is happening around you affect the peace that is within you.

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, ESV)

#4 How Can I Give Peace This Christmas?

“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’” (Luke 10:5, ESV)

We have the authority to bring peace or take peace with us.

Key Verse:

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3, ESV)

How to Find and Give Peace:

1. Walk in humility.

2. Walk in gentleness.

3. Walk in patience.

4. Walk in love.

True peace isn’t something you find in circumstances, possessions, or even relationships—it’s found in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. 

True peace is not just something we receive and remain in, its something we regift