Monday
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
These words of promise are filled with hope for a world where peace reigns. There are times when it is difficult to see how “his authority” is continuing to grow, but there is assurance that the moves we make toward peace with others are empowered by His presence born in us anew this season.
What words in this passage give you hope?
Where are you honoring the Prince of Peace in your relationships?
How do you see Christ’s authority growing in you? How are you being changed into his likeness?
Gracious God, desire of all who live, remind us of your invitation to love and honor you first, and to live in peace with others out of our confidence in your authority over all. May we be grieved by the divisions in our relationships that are not of you and seek unity as your beloved and forgiven children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
There is a gentleness to Jesus’ coming that we do not always equate with authority. The Spirit of Christ comes in quiet strength, relentless in his work of reconciliation that brings peace and justice. This gentleness and kindness to those who are suffering is something that he invites us to as well.
Where do you feel like a bruised reed? What would the gentleness of Jesus look like for you?
How easy is it for you to equate gentleness with authority? As you think about how you lead or influence others, what qualities do you reflect?
How would it look for you to lead with the gentleness that Jesus modeled? Who in your life needs to experience the gentleness of Jesus?
Gracious God, desire of all who live, remind us of your invitation to love and honor you first, and to live in peace with others out of our confidence in your authority over all. May we be grieved by the divisions in our relationships that are not of you and seek unity as your beloved and forgiven children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
What a surprise that the good news of a Savior was to shepherds and that this Savior would be found in a stable, wrapped in cloths. God was glorified in the humble birth of Christ and poured out His peace for those he favors to share among them.
What do you find humble and peaceful about your understanding and experience of God?
Where do you need to experience the humble and peaceful presence of God in your life and relationships?
Do you feel God’s favor? If so, how does that influence the way you live in the world?
Gracious God, desire of all who live, remind us of your invitation to love and honor you first, and to live in peace with others out of our confidence in your authority over all. May we be grieved by the divisions in our relationships that are not of you and seek unity as your beloved and forgiven children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.
Paul sets out a theology of inclusion, where those who were once marginalized by the Jewish church are welcomed in because of Prince of Peace. He has not only created access but united the divisions by his blood. This invitation to unity is extended throughout history and is there in our present situation as well.
How does the season of Advent guide you in your relationships with those with whom you disagree?
Where do you need to feel included?
Where are you hoping for peace and unity this season?
Gracious God, desire of all who live, remind us of your invitation to love and honor you first, and to live in peace with others out of our confidence in your authority over all. May we be grieved by the divisions in our relationships that are not of you and seek unity as your beloved and forgiven children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters
This week as we have brought the reality of the Prince of Peace into our daily lives, we hear the invitation from Him to drop our perspectives that set us apart from others and unite ourselves in one mind through Christ. Quarrels happen when we hold on too tightly to our frame of reference as the only clear view of reality and disregard the perspectives of others. Come, Lord Jesus! Unite us in your peace!
Where do you need to invite the peace of Christ into your relationships?
Are there perspectives you hold that you need to loosen your grip on in order to give others room in the community of Christ?
How does it feel to let go of the things that produce division in your relationships?
Gracious God, desire of all who live, remind us of your invitation to love and honor you first, and to live in peace with others out of our confidence in your authority over all. May we be grieved by the divisions in our relationships that are not of you and seek unity as your beloved and forgiven children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.