Welcome to Day 2524 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2524 – Second Week of Advent – Living in Peace, Daily

Putnam Church Message – 12/08/2024

Living in Peace, Daily

Last week was the first Sunday of Advent, and our focus was “Living in Hope, Daily. “We were reminded that Hope is alive because Jesus is alive. May we carry this truth with us this Advent season, lighting the way for others to see His love and faithfulness.

This week is the Second Sunday of Advent: “The Candle of Peace” in a message titled “Living in Peace, Daily.” During the weeks of Advent, I want to slow life down a bit so we can truly take time to reflect on the purpose of the Advent season. I will also tie in some Christmas traditions in each message so we can reflect on the meaning of some traditions we practice during this blessed time.

Opening Prayer:
Lord, we come before You today with hearts open to receive the peace You promise. As we light the second candle of Advent, the Candle of Peace, it reminds us of the deep, lasting peace that can only be found in Jesus. In this season of anticipation and reflection, help us quiet our hearts and place our trust fully in You. In Jesus’s name, we pray,  Amen.

Introduction: The Meaning of Advent Peace

Today is the second Sunday of Advent, and we focus on peace. Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, and the peace we remember today is not just an absence of conflict but a deep, abiding calm that comes from knowing Christ.

Peace may feel elusive amid the busyness and sometimes stress of the holiday season. But true peace, the kind that quiets our hearts, is not tied to our circumstances or feelings. It’s rooted in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who entered our world to reconcile us with God and with one another.

1. The Promise of Peace in Scripture (Bulletin Insert)

The Bible’s understanding of peace goes beyond what we often think of as peace today. It’s more than silence or a moment of calm; it’s a completeness, wholeness, and harmony only God can provide. This peace is found in the Hebrew word shalom, which means completeness or well-being.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.”

The prophet Isaiah spoke these words hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, yet they describe who Jesus would be to His people: the Prince of Peace. This title is not just a name; it’s a role and an identity. Jesus didn’t just bring peace—He is peace. Through Him, we find true harmony with God, ourselves, and others.

Illustration: The Christmas Truce of 1914

One remarkable story you may be familiar with that reflects this peace is the Christmas Truce of 1914, during World War I. For a brief time, soldiers on both sides put down their weapons and celebrated Christmas together. They sang carols, exchanged small gifts, and even played soccer. Despite being enemies on the battlefield, peace reigned for one night. This moment of peace didn’t last, but it serves as a powerful reminder that true peace, which is rooted in Christ, can unite us, even when the world is divided.

Memorable Point: Jesus is our Prince of Peace, bringing us into a relationship of harmony with God and one another.

2. Jesus’ Ministry of Peace

When Jesus was born, He entered a world of political unrest and religious division. Throughout His ministry, He offered peace that transcended any political or temporary solution. Jesus often greeted people with the words, “Peace be with you.” And He spoke these words not just as a pleasantry but as a declaration of a new reality available to those who trust in Him. He was offering Shalom.

John 14:27 (NLT) records Jesus saying, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

This peace is described as a gift—a gift that can’t be found anywhere else. Jesus offers a peace that guards our hearts and minds, even when everything around us feels uncertain.

Object Lesson: The Gift of Peace

Hold up a beautifully wrapped box labeled “Peace.” Just as last week, I held up a gift that represented Hope. Today, the gift is Peace. Though freely given by Christ, this gift must be received by us. We can either accept it, open it, and let it change us, or leave it untouched. Just like any gift, peace only changes us when we receive it. During this season, many of us receive gifts, but the greatest gift we can receive is the peace that Christ offers. Unlike temporary gifts, it’s a peace that brings lasting joy and security.

Memorable Point: The peace Jesus offers is a gift—one that the world cannot replicate or replace.

3. Experiencing Peace in Our Own Lives

While the promise of peace in Scripture is clear, experiencing that peace is sometimes difficult in our daily lives. The holidays can be stressful, with endless to-do lists, family dynamics, and financial pressures. But even amid life’s chaos, we are invited to rest in Jesus’ peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Here, Paul gives us practical steps: instead of worrying, we are to pray and bring our concerns to God with thanksgiving. The result? A peace that exceeds anything we can understand, will guard our hearts and minds.

Object Lesson: The Christmas Bell – Ring bell

A common Christmas tradition is the ringing of bells. Bells have long been associated with peace, signaling the end of wars and the arrival of good news. The sound of a bell can remind us to pursue peace in our relationships. Just as bells ring out to bring people together, we are called to be peacemakers, bringing reconciliation and harmony wherever we go. We have a large bell outside our back door that we ring loudly when visitors depart, which is our way of saying we will miss you, and may God’s peace be with you on your journey.

Illustration: Peace in the Storm

Imagine a ship caught in a violent storm, with waves crashing all around it. Below deck, however, is a calm, quiet room. Though the storm rages outside, the people within are sheltered and safe. This is what God’s peace feels like—it is not the absence of difficulty but a calm that holds us steady even in the midst of it. When we rely on Jesus, our Prince of Peace, we have a place of safety, no matter what storms come our way.

Story: The Peace of a Hymn

Horatio Spafford, the writer of the hymn It Is Well with My Soul, knew this kind of peace. After losing his son to illness, much of his fortune in the Great Chicago Fire, and his four daughters in a shipwreck, Spafford penned these words: “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” His peace didn’t come from circumstances but from the presence and promises of Christ.

Memorable Point: Peace in Christ doesn’t remove life’s storms but provides a calm in the midst of them.

4. Sharing the Peace of Christ with Others

As followers of Jesus, we are called to receive and share His peace. This is a peace that overflows into our relationships with others because we have abundant peace in our lives, allowing us to live as peacemakers.

Matthew 5:9 (NLT) says, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Peacemaking is a central calling of every believer. It’s more than avoiding conflict; it’s actively working to bring about reconciliation and harmony.

Story: The Tradition of Christmas Cards

A tradition many of us observe is sending Christmas cards, often with messages of peace and joy. This tradition began in the 19th century, when Sir Henry Cole in England wanted to simplify staying in touch during the holidays. These cards often carry messages like “Peace on Earth” or “Joy to the World.” While the card itself is simple, the message it carries is profound—a reminder of the peace that Jesus brings to all the earth. This tradition encourages us to reach out and extend peace, showing that the love of Christ is for everyone.

Memorable Point: Just as we share messages of peace in Christmas cards, we are called to share the peace of Christ with everyone around us.

Practical Application for the Week: (Bulletin Insert)

1. Practical Steps for Living in Peace

So, how can we cultivate this peace daily? How can we let it flow into every aspect of our lives?

1. Start with Prayer: Each morning, begin your day by inviting God’s peace into your heart. Ask Him to guard your heart and mind, giving you a calm that sustains you through every situation.
2. Meditate on Scripture: Keep verses about peace close to your heart. For example, Colossians 3:15 (NLT) says, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” Meditating on God’s Word allows His peace to fill our minds, keeping us focused on Him rather than our worries.
3. Practice Forgiveness: Peace often requires reconciliation. This Advent season, consider any unresolved conflicts in your life. Forgiveness is a step toward peace, and as we forgive, we experience the freedom and calm that God desires for us.
4. Be a Peacemaker: Seek opportunities to spread peace, whether it’s in your family, workplace, or community. Small acts of kindness, patience, and understanding can make a huge difference in creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Story: St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for Peace

St. Francis of Assisi once prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” His prayer reflects the heart of someone who understood that true peace comes from surrendering to God and seeking to bring His presence to others. This prayer is a reminder for us to seek God’s peace first and then to let it flow through us to others.

Memorable Point: Peace begins in our hearts but is meant to flow outward, transforming our relationships and communities.

The Takeaway: Pursuing and Sharing Christ’s Peace

As we close today, let’s remember that peace is a gift, a state of mind, and a mission. Jesus came to bring peace between us and God, and He calls us to live out this peace in our daily lives.

Christmas Tradition: The Nativity Scene and Peace

One of the most cherished Christmas traditions is the Nativity scene. Whether it’s displayed in homes, churches, or public spaces, the Nativity reminds us of the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth. The angels declared to the shepherds in Luke 2:14 (NLT), “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

The Nativity scene is a symbol of peace—not just the quiet peace of that holy night but the peace Christ brings to all who believe in Him. Each figure in the scene, from Mary and Joseph to the shepherds and wise men, reminds us that God’s peace is for everyone, regardless of status, background, or circumstances.

The peace that Jesus gives is more than just a seasonal feeling. It is a deep, abiding sense of well-being and security that holds us steady. And when we embrace this peace, we are equipped to share it with others, pointing them to the Prince of Peace.

Practical Application for the Week: Summarize

Each day this week, practice these three steps to cultivate peace:

1. Begin with Prayer: Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, ask God to fill you with His peace for the day.
2. Share a Message of Peace: Each day, find one person you can encourage with a message of peace, whether through a card, a phone call, or a simple conversation.
3. Reflect on Jesus’ Peace: Before bed, take a few minutes to reflect on how you experienced God’s peace throughout the day and thank Him for it.

Following these steps, we open ourselves to experience the peace Jesus promised and share it with others. Just as the Advent candles bring light to the dark, so too does our peace in Christ shine in a world longing for calm and hope.

Takeaway for the Week:
This week, hold on to this promise from Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Let this verse be a reminder of the peace that is found only in Christ, who calms our hearts and directs our steps each day.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of peace that surpasses all understanding. As we move through this Advent season, let us be reminded that You are our Prince of Peace. Help us to carry Your peace within us and to share it with others. Guide us to be peacemakers, to forgive, and to love as You love. May our hearts and minds be firmly rooted in Your unchanging peace. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.

Next week is the third Sunday of Advent, and our focus will be; “Living In Joy Daily.”  Please invest time in reading Isaiah 61:1-3 in preparation for the message.