Week 2 - Peace: Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)
Peace, Day 1:
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Devotion:
There might have been very little peace in the busy town of Bethlehem. As a census town, it would have been full of travelers, townspeople and Roman officials. The only peaceful place that night might have been in a cave where the animals were kept. Even with all the hustle and bustle, the gospel writer shares a peaceful scene, but it’s not what we would expect from the Creator of the universe as the birthplace of his only Son. This Advent, let’s seek a peaceful place where we can hear God’s voice. It might be a place we wouldn’t expect. He might even surprise us as we spend time in his Word.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for your ancient words in Luke and your gift of the Prince of Peace. Father, you know our hustle and bustle, our worries and joys before we even speak the words. Thank you for the way you love us, surprise us and offer us peace in you, every day. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Peace, Day 2:
Scripture: John 14:27
“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.”
Devotion:
Peace is one of God's gifts to us. Jesus tells us that his peace is with us through the Holy Spirit, and that through him we can find peace. Finding peace, giving peace, leaving peace, sharing peace with others? It certainly sounds good. We teach peace to our children. We aspire to be peacemakers. Yet in this day and time, what does peace really look like? John tells us that Jesus “does not give as the world gives,” so peace here on earth will look different and feel different. The world tells us that we can achieve peace through vacations, or time off, or buying the latest device to “save time” for whatever it is that we want to do. Yet Jesus says something different. Peace can’t be found unless we come to Him.
Prayer:
Father God, help us know how close you are to us at all times. Remind us to show your goodness and your peace to others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Family Time:
Dedicated family time is often the calendar item that gets shifted around or even left out during a busy season of life. Give thanks for the family and friends you have around you. Talk about your family’s favorite traditions or try a new family activity. Being intentional about thankfulness and family time makes lasting memories and prepares us for our coming King.
Peace, Day 3:
Scripture: John 16:33
“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.”
Devotion:
They had to go. They had no choice. Mary was too far along in her pregnancy for Joseph to leave behind. He worried for her safety. The trip would be rough, long, dangerous and most uncomfortable. Yet each time he turned to gaze upon Mary, he had to marvel over the strength, trust and faith that shone in her face. That peace, peace that only the Lord can provide, would eventually come over him. For the Angel of the Lord had told him not to be afraid, and he knew that the child Mary carried was important to not just his family, but to the world. Some may say Mary was too young to be afraid, too young to understand the situation. Let us continue on this journey with Mary and Joseph with the assurance that God is faithful and just. As we trust in his promises, we will encounter the Prince of Peace.
Prayer:
Father, God! Behold your children as we take the journey to Bethlehem. Remind us to be thankful for your provisions, your protection, your mercy, your grace, and most of all, your peace. It is in the Name above all names that we pray, Amen.
Peace, Day 4:
Scripture: Matthew 12:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Devotion:
As we think about Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, we should consider the long dusty trek they made from Nazareth…85 miles. Do you think they were weary of traveling day after day to reach Bethlehem? What about Mary, heavy with child trudging all that way? Mary was not only with child; in fact, she would deliver there in Bethlehem. Yet Mary and Joseph had perseverance because they knew God was with them. We carry heavy burdens of sin and weariness before we accept Jesus as our Savior. Jesus calls us to “come to him, all you who are weary and burdened.” Jesus frees people from their heavy burden of sin. Jesus also promises us love, healing and peace with God. A relationship with God changes our meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose in our lives. Rejoice, and again I say rejoice, in the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for your mercy and grace that your Majestic Glory would love us so much that you would send your only Son, Jesus, for our salvation. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). For we know when the Son of Man comes in a cloud with power and great glory that the Messiah is near (Luke 21:27) and we can look forward to Jesus’ reign of justice and peace. Father, we know the ultimate peace will come with the Messiah’s return. For our Mighty God has said: “I will extend peace to my children (Israel) like a river” (Isaiah 66:12), and your children know, Father, that you always keep your promises. Amen.
Family Time:
Picture this scene in your mind: A terrible storm at sea, where the waves are crashing, winds are blowing and lightening is flashing! The surface of the sea swirls, foams and shoots spray in the air. Not a peaceful image, is it? Now picture what it must be like under the surface of the water. It is calmer. In fact, the deeper you go below the surface, the calmer things become. Jesus offers us peace like the deep ocean. Can you picture peace? What does peace look like to you?
Peace, Day 5:
Scripture: Luke 2: 6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Devotion:
Isn’t it curious that in a world of sophisticated time- and labor-saving devices, we still seem incredibly rushed, hassled, often perceiving life as a struggle with no end in sight? It’s no wonder the idea of peace sounds so appealing to so many. As Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem, chances are their hearts, too, may have been experiencing anxiety and turmoil. Their situation was challenging and uncertain. However, as the story unfolds it becomes obvious that despite their circumstances, God’s unfailing love and care provided for their every need.
It is possible to experience God’s peace. When we learn to cast our cares on God and trust him to handle them, faith replaces fear. Worry sees problems, but faith sees the God who can handle any situation with confidence and care.
Prayer:
Father, your holiness is beyond measure. Forgive us for allowing our busyness to crowd you out of our lives. Thank you for the peace of spirit that only you can bring. Allow our faith to grow as we rest in the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Peace, Day 6:
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
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.
Devotion:
The journey had been a long one. They arrived at their destination, but there was no place to rest. Mary was tired, but she had made a promise to God through his angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Soon she delivered her firstborn--Jesus. Humble and meek, this young mother did what she could to provide for her newborn, but swaddling clothes and a manger were probably not what she had envisioned for her new baby. She did the best she could; all any mother wants for her newborn is rest, tranquility, quiet and peace. She knew he was special, a firstborn Prince, yet she would not shout it from the heavens and fields as the angels and shepherds would soon do. She quietly pondered these things in her heart. Quiet reflection on what our God has given to us is valuable, not only during this Advent season, but throughout the year. Ponder all your blessings in your heart, and may the Lord give you peace.
Prayer:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, we praise your name for the many blessings you continue to provide for us every day. May we be as Mary, willing to say, “I am the Lord’s servant.” And, through whatever service we can do in your name and through resting in you, may we find comfort, joy and peace. Amen.
Family Time:
Peace begins with each one of us. One of the amazing things about peace is that it spreads like a maze of dominoes. What kinds of peaceful things can you do today to promote peace in your home? With your friends? At school? Or even at church?
Peace, Day 7:
Scripture: Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Devotion:
How do you find peace? Where are you when you feel peaceful? How do you feel? What are you listening to? Who are you with when you feel peaceful?
Perhaps we start each day intending to show peace towards others. Then we get in the car and become frustrated by other drivers. Perhaps someone at work or school says something that is not so kind and it upsets us further. The peacefulness we felt at home is gone. How do we hold on to that feeling? Try taking a deep breath and listen to God. Our days get so crazy and busy that we often forget to remember that God is always with us. At this holy Christmas season, let us look to the baby, to Jesus, to provide us with the inner peace we desire. As we go about each day, do we look for peaceful ways to handle things? This acrostic poem lists some feelings about peace.
Perfect time for listening to God
Every time I see the mountains
Attentive to the needs of others
Calling many people friends
Each day I search for quiet!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to always choose peace. Show me how to be quiet and listen for your direction in my life. Thank you for this world and all the wonderful things in it. Thank you for your son, Jesus, who gives salvation to us all. In your name, Amen.
Peace, Day 1:
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Devotion:
There might have been very little peace in the busy town of Bethlehem. As a census town, it would have been full of travelers, townspeople and Roman officials. The only peaceful place that night might have been in a cave where the animals were kept. Even with all the hustle and bustle, the gospel writer shares a peaceful scene, but it’s not what we would expect from the Creator of the universe as the birthplace of his only Son. This Advent, let’s seek a peaceful place where we can hear God’s voice. It might be a place we wouldn’t expect. He might even surprise us as we spend time in his Word.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for your ancient words in Luke and your gift of the Prince of Peace. Father, you know our hustle and bustle, our worries and joys before we even speak the words. Thank you for the way you love us, surprise us and offer us peace in you, every day. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Peace, Day 2:
Scripture: John 14:27
“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.”
Devotion:
Peace is one of God's gifts to us. Jesus tells us that his peace is with us through the Holy Spirit, and that through him we can find peace. Finding peace, giving peace, leaving peace, sharing peace with others? It certainly sounds good. We teach peace to our children. We aspire to be peacemakers. Yet in this day and time, what does peace really look like? John tells us that Jesus “does not give as the world gives,” so peace here on earth will look different and feel different. The world tells us that we can achieve peace through vacations, or time off, or buying the latest device to “save time” for whatever it is that we want to do. Yet Jesus says something different. Peace can’t be found unless we come to Him.
Prayer:
Father God, help us know how close you are to us at all times. Remind us to show your goodness and your peace to others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Family Time:
Dedicated family time is often the calendar item that gets shifted around or even left out during a busy season of life. Give thanks for the family and friends you have around you. Talk about your family’s favorite traditions or try a new family activity. Being intentional about thankfulness and family time makes lasting memories and prepares us for our coming King.
Peace, Day 3:
Scripture: John 16:33
“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.”
Devotion:
They had to go. They had no choice. Mary was too far along in her pregnancy for Joseph to leave behind. He worried for her safety. The trip would be rough, long, dangerous and most uncomfortable. Yet each time he turned to gaze upon Mary, he had to marvel over the strength, trust and faith that shone in her face. That peace, peace that only the Lord can provide, would eventually come over him. For the Angel of the Lord had told him not to be afraid, and he knew that the child Mary carried was important to not just his family, but to the world. Some may say Mary was too young to be afraid, too young to understand the situation. Let us continue on this journey with Mary and Joseph with the assurance that God is faithful and just. As we trust in his promises, we will encounter the Prince of Peace.
Prayer:
Father, God! Behold your children as we take the journey to Bethlehem. Remind us to be thankful for your provisions, your protection, your mercy, your grace, and most of all, your peace. It is in the Name above all names that we pray, Amen.
Peace, Day 4:
Scripture: Matthew 12:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Devotion:
As we think about Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, we should consider the long dusty trek they made from Nazareth…85 miles. Do you think they were weary of traveling day after day to reach Bethlehem? What about Mary, heavy with child trudging all that way? Mary was not only with child; in fact, she would deliver there in Bethlehem. Yet Mary and Joseph had perseverance because they knew God was with them. We carry heavy burdens of sin and weariness before we accept Jesus as our Savior. Jesus calls us to “come to him, all you who are weary and burdened.” Jesus frees people from their heavy burden of sin. Jesus also promises us love, healing and peace with God. A relationship with God changes our meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose in our lives. Rejoice, and again I say rejoice, in the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for your mercy and grace that your Majestic Glory would love us so much that you would send your only Son, Jesus, for our salvation. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). For we know when the Son of Man comes in a cloud with power and great glory that the Messiah is near (Luke 21:27) and we can look forward to Jesus’ reign of justice and peace. Father, we know the ultimate peace will come with the Messiah’s return. For our Mighty God has said: “I will extend peace to my children (Israel) like a river” (Isaiah 66:12), and your children know, Father, that you always keep your promises. Amen.
Family Time:
Picture this scene in your mind: A terrible storm at sea, where the waves are crashing, winds are blowing and lightening is flashing! The surface of the sea swirls, foams and shoots spray in the air. Not a peaceful image, is it? Now picture what it must be like under the surface of the water. It is calmer. In fact, the deeper you go below the surface, the calmer things become. Jesus offers us peace like the deep ocean. Can you picture peace? What does peace look like to you?
Peace, Day 5:
Scripture: Luke 2: 6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Devotion:
Isn’t it curious that in a world of sophisticated time- and labor-saving devices, we still seem incredibly rushed, hassled, often perceiving life as a struggle with no end in sight? It’s no wonder the idea of peace sounds so appealing to so many. As Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem, chances are their hearts, too, may have been experiencing anxiety and turmoil. Their situation was challenging and uncertain. However, as the story unfolds it becomes obvious that despite their circumstances, God’s unfailing love and care provided for their every need.
It is possible to experience God’s peace. When we learn to cast our cares on God and trust him to handle them, faith replaces fear. Worry sees problems, but faith sees the God who can handle any situation with confidence and care.
Prayer:
Father, your holiness is beyond measure. Forgive us for allowing our busyness to crowd you out of our lives. Thank you for the peace of spirit that only you can bring. Allow our faith to grow as we rest in the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Peace, Day 6:
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
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.
Devotion:
The journey had been a long one. They arrived at their destination, but there was no place to rest. Mary was tired, but she had made a promise to God through his angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Soon she delivered her firstborn--Jesus. Humble and meek, this young mother did what she could to provide for her newborn, but swaddling clothes and a manger were probably not what she had envisioned for her new baby. She did the best she could; all any mother wants for her newborn is rest, tranquility, quiet and peace. She knew he was special, a firstborn Prince, yet she would not shout it from the heavens and fields as the angels and shepherds would soon do. She quietly pondered these things in her heart. Quiet reflection on what our God has given to us is valuable, not only during this Advent season, but throughout the year. Ponder all your blessings in your heart, and may the Lord give you peace.
Prayer:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, we praise your name for the many blessings you continue to provide for us every day. May we be as Mary, willing to say, “I am the Lord’s servant.” And, through whatever service we can do in your name and through resting in you, may we find comfort, joy and peace. Amen.
Family Time:
Peace begins with each one of us. One of the amazing things about peace is that it spreads like a maze of dominoes. What kinds of peaceful things can you do today to promote peace in your home? With your friends? At school? Or even at church?
Peace, Day 7:
Scripture: Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Devotion:
How do you find peace? Where are you when you feel peaceful? How do you feel? What are you listening to? Who are you with when you feel peaceful?
Perhaps we start each day intending to show peace towards others. Then we get in the car and become frustrated by other drivers. Perhaps someone at work or school says something that is not so kind and it upsets us further. The peacefulness we felt at home is gone. How do we hold on to that feeling? Try taking a deep breath and listen to God. Our days get so crazy and busy that we often forget to remember that God is always with us. At this holy Christmas season, let us look to the baby, to Jesus, to provide us with the inner peace we desire. As we go about each day, do we look for peaceful ways to handle things? This acrostic poem lists some feelings about peace.
Perfect time for listening to God
Every time I see the mountains
Attentive to the needs of others
Calling many people friends
Each day I search for quiet!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to always choose peace. Show me how to be quiet and listen for your direction in my life. Thank you for this world and all the wonderful things in it. Thank you for your son, Jesus, who gives salvation to us all. In your name, Amen.