Not the World's Peace

Advent Week 2 

If you missed the Advent week 1 post, "Hope" you can find it here. 
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Peace: 1) freedom from disturbance; tranquility. 2) a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.

​Based on these definitions of peace, found in the English dictionary, it would seem that peace is dependent on one’s surroundings and circumstances. A day when there is conveniently no interruptions of disturbance--peace. A time period in history without wars--peace. But in both of these examples, peace is dependent largely on what happens around us, rather than on what is happening within us. ​

Here is what Jesus knew about defining peace as the world does--you would never experience it. Peace will never be more than a moment's reality if we just “keep on waiting for the world to change” (John Mayer).

Instead, Jesus said these this about the world around us and peace:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world . (John 16:33)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. (John 14: 27)

​First, Jesus points out that if you are waiting around for peace to be defined by your circumstances that will never happen. The world is full of “trouble” and will continue to be until his return. Secondly, Jesus takes the worldly definition of peace and tells his followers that peace is found in Him--He is the peace that every soul is longing to rest in. Peace is a gift. Peace is not found in what is happening around us, but in a relationship with a God who sent his son to come and live among us. ​

• Do you know this peace? 
• Do you know Him? 
• Have you accepted and unwrapped God’s gift of peace? 

His name is Jesus--the one who can calm the winds and the waves. His name is the Prince of Peace--the one who comforts us in times of distress. His name is Counselor--the one who gives peace that moves us beyond understanding to hope, faith and love.

• Who in your life needs to know peace?
• How can you bring the gift of peace to them? 

​God sent peace down to us through Jesus. And before Jesus left, he asked us to go and tell others of him.  As you gather presents and tape on bows, I pray that you would be led by the Holy Spirit to also know how to bring the gift of peace (the presence of Jesus) to the world around you. 

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Table Talk: Prompts to talk about Peace around the table

This week, take a dinner-time one night and talk about the following at home: 

1. What do you think of when you hear the word peace?  
2. ​What does it mean to have a “peace that passes understanding”? 
   
3. One of the names of Jesus is “the Prince of Peace.” How can he be this in your life? 
   
4. ​What would it look like to share the gift of heavenly peace with others?  

Printable Table Talk Questions: Advent, Peace
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If you missed the Advent week 1 post, "Hope" you can find it here. ​

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Jaclyn is a wife, mom, educator, visionary, and avid runner who uses her writing to pick up and examine life, culture, faith and running, probing to discover the awe of God who is sovereign over it all. She is a firm believer in the powerful, effectiveness of the body of Christ united together to live out theGreat Commission. Because we are stronger, healthier and lovelier when living on mission together, she desires to help others know their unique design and purpose for such a time as this. Invite her to come teach at your event or retreat by heading to her Go & See. page. ​