If your life seems bleak this December, you might be tempted to believe Christmas is geared toward those whose lives are already merry. But, the true story was masterminded and birthed by the Divine Author for those in desperate need, those just like you. Many church traditions center scripture studies on themes marked with an advent wreath. Each week in the month leading to Christmas, believers light a candle to honor the divine gifts bestowed upon us through Christ. Hope, love, joy, and peace represent blessings available only through Jesus which illuminate the darkness of our world.
This week’s video encourages us to apply the principle of peace to our entire lives. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind as you devote yourself to peace this week:
- Be the peace
- Manage stress
- Don’t overschedule your life
- set boundaries
- resist quick judgments
- give grace
- Forgive and Let God
- rest
- pray
- reach out in love
- Meditate daily on the three dimensions of peace Christ made possible: with God, within us, and among us
- Scriptures for peace:
-
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
-
Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
-
He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
-
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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
-
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
-
Or else let them come to me for refuge; let them make peace with me, yes, let them make peace with me.”
-
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
-
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
-
All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.
- Isaiah 57:18-19 I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.” -
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peaceto those on whom his favor rests.”
-
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
-
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
-