Advent is such a sacred, tender season. It gently invites us into a time of longing, deep reflection, and holy anticipation, as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
After spending the first week of Advent grounding ourselves
in hope, we now turn to Week Two, often symbolized by the candle of Peace. This
candle, typically purple in the Advent wreath, reminds us of the peace that Christ brings to a world that frequently feels anything but peaceful.
But biblical peace is richer than the soft glow of Christmas
lights or the hush of a snowy December morning. It’s deeper than a few calm
moments or the temporary quiet we might crave during a busy season. The peace
of Christ is strong, holy, restorative, reconciling, and eternal. It’s the kind
of peace spoken by the prophets centuries before Jesus’ birth, and fully
embodied in the humble Child in the manger.
This week, we explore the prophecies of Isaiah, Micah, and
Malachi, along with a beautiful passage from the Psalms. As we walk through these
Scriptures, we’ll look at their historical background, their central message,
and how they shape our daily lives as we wait for Christ’s coming.
The Peace Promised: The Messiah’s Glorious Titles (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Isaiah ministered during a deeply troubled time in Judah’s
history. The people faced political instability, fear, and
uncertainty, as well as the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. The people
felt overwhelmed and desperately looked for peace through human alliances and
temporary solutions. In many ways, it wasn’t so different from how we search
for peace today: through circumstances, control, or even distraction.
Into this darkness, Isaiah speaks one of the most breathtaking
prophecies in all of Scripture:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV).
These titles aren’t poetic ornaments; they’re profound
declarations of who the Messiah truly is. Let’s take a closer look.
Wonderful Counselor (Pele-Yoetz in Hebrew): Pele means miracle, something supernatural. Something that causes wonder and awe. Yoetz means one who plans, advises, and guides with perfect wisdom. This describes supernatural wisdom. Jesus doesn’t simply offer good advice; He is the wisdom of God. His counsel cuts through confusion, fear, and uncertainty with divine clarity.
Mighty God (El Giborr in Hebrew): El is short for Elohim, which means the supreme God. Gibbor means warrior, hero, champion: one who fights and prevails with irresistible strength. Isaiah is proclaiming that this Child is not merely a special human ruler; He’s God Himself. Real peace is possible only because the One who brings it has absolute power over all things.
Everlasting Father (Avia'ad in Hebrew): This name literally means “Father of Eternity” or “Everlasting Father.” This is not confusing the Son with God the Father. Instead, it describes the Messiah’s character toward his people. This title points to Christ's protective, fatherly nature: compassionate, steady, faithful, and never abandoning His people.
Prince of Peace (Sar-Shalom in Hebrew): “Sar” means prince, ruler, captain. “Shalom” means much more than the absence of conflict or difficulties. Biblical shalom means total well-being, wholeness, harmony, prosperity, and restoration.
Jesus doesn’t just quiet our
storms; He brings life back into alignment with God’s original design.
Isaiah makes it clear: the Messiah’s kingdom will be one of
unending peace and will be established with justice and righteousness. This is
peace that doesn’t fade or fracture. It holds.
Application
In our own lives, where do we instinctively turn for peace?
A calm moment? A more predictable routine? A distraction to take the edge off?
Isaiah gently reminds us that true peace doesn’t flow from
perfect circumstances. It flows from a Person.
This Advent season, instead of striving to “create” peace,
we can welcome the Prince of Peace Himself.
The Peace With Us: The Promise of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)
“Earlier in Isaiah, we find another important prophecy
spoken during a fearful moment in Judah’s history: “Therefore the Lord Himself
will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and
shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14 NKJV)
It’s one of the most comforting truths in Scripture:
- God’s peace comes close.
- God steps into our world, our struggle, and our humanity.
Application
Jesus meets us in the places we feel anxious, afraid,
disappointed, or uncertain. Advent reminds us that we don’t have to hold
everything together on our own—because God is already with us. Peace begins to
grow when we lean into that truth.
The Peace Prepared: Making Straight the Path (Isaiah 40:3-5)
Isaiah 40 marks a beautiful shift from judgment to comfort: “Comfort,
yes, comfort my people!” says your God…The voice of one crying in the
wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway
for our God’” (Isaiah 40:1,3 NKJV).
This prophecy points to John the Baptist, but it also reveals what God does in our hearts. Isaiah uses landscape imagery to paint a picture of spiritual preparation:
- Valleys lifted up: God encourages those who feel discouraged and low.
- Mountains lowered: God humbles the places where pride or self-reliance has taken root.
- Crooked places straightened: God brings clarity and direction.
- Rough places smoothed: God heals areas of emotional or spiritual turmoil.
Peace doesn’t appear because life becomes simple. Instead, it
comes as we make room for Christ, allowing Him to level, lift, straighten, and
smooth our hearts.
Application
What might be standing in the way of God’s peace in your life right
now?
Advent is a gentle invitation to clear space; to say no to what
distracts and yes to the One who brings peace.
The Peace That Brings Joy: Abiding in God’s Presence
Psalm 16:11 NKJV reminds us how intertwined peace and joy
truly are: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of
joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
This verse fits beautifully into our Advent reflections.
David understood that real peace doesn’t come from successful days or
controlled circumstances. It comes from God’s presence.
Application
This week, practice spending time with God on purpose. Even
a few minutes of quiet, slow Scripture reading or honest prayer can quiet your
heart and re-center your spirit. Peace grows where God’s presence is welcomed.
The Peace in Small Places
Micah’s prophecy points us to the small, overlooked village
of Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the
thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler
in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2
NKJV).
Bethlehem wasn’t impressive. It wasn’t powerful. Yet God
chose it as the birthplace of the Messiah. In doing so, God clearly showed His
heart: He delights in humble beginnings, quiet places, and using the insignificant.
Application
If there are parts of your life that feel ordinary or
unseen, take heart. These may be the very places where God’s doing His most
meaningful work. Small moments of obedience and kindness matter deeply in God’s
kingdom.
The Peace That Purifies: The Refiner’s Work (Malachi 3:1-4)
Malachi’s prophecy can feel intense: “But who can endure the
day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s
fire and like launderer’s soap (Malachi 3:2 NKJV).
Reading Malachi 3:1-4 can be daunting. What is a refiner’s
fire? In the ancient world, precious metals had to be refined. Raw ore or used
metal was placed into a crucible. The crucible was put into a blazing furnace.
As the metal melted, impurities called dross rose to the surface. The refiner
carefully skimmed off the dross.
They had to do this over and over to ensure the metal was as
pure as possible. He knew the metal was purified when he could see his own reflection
on the surface of the molten metal.
In these verses from Malachi, God speaks of His refining
fire, which can refer to both a people and to individuals. God uses the thorough,
sometimes uncomfortable cleansing process not to destroy but to restore and
bring holiness into our lives.
God’s work is loving and holy. He uses the refiner’s fire to
remove sin, idolatry, pride, bitterness, fear, and anything that mars His image
in us. The process can be painful (trials, conviction of sin, discipline,
etc.). Throughout this process, God never leaves us alone. He sits with us,
controlling the heat so the metal (our being) isn’t destroyed. The goal is to
bring beauty and usefulness into our souls.
This refiner’s fire is a fierce, purifying love of the
Prince of Peace who makes us holy so we can live in the fullness of His peace
(shalom) forever.
5 Tips to Live Out Advent Peace Every Day
All these Scriptures show us something important: Biblical
peace (shalom) isn’t the absence of difficulty; it’s the presence of Christ in
the midst.
Advent peace steadies us when anxiety rises, comforts us in
loneliness, refines us when our hearts wander, and strengthens us when we’re
weary. Jesus doesn’t just give peace—He is our peace.
Here are 5 tips to live out Advent peace every day:
- Presence over productivity: start your mornings with quiet before God.
- Surrender the valleys and mountains: let God lift what’s low and humble what stands in the way.
- Practice hidden kindness: show kindness where and when possible during this busy season, even when others are doing the opposite.
- Embrace the refiner’s fire: let God cleanse those areas that He reveals need cleansing in your life.
- Invite Jesus into every moment: talk to Christ as you move through each day.
These simple rhythms open the door for the Prince of Peace
to settle into your heart.
Conclusion: Receiving the Unfading Peace of Christ
As we walk through Advent, we’re reminded again and again
that peace is not something we can produce on our own. It’s something we
receive from the One who embodies it fully—our Prince of Peace.
From Isaiah’s sweeping prophecies to the quiet humility of
Bethlehem, from Malachi’s refining fire to the joy of Psalm 16, Scripture
invites us to look to Jesus, the One who comes near with healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of peace.
As you continue your Advent journey, slow down. Let the Prince
of Peace quiet your thoughts, steady your heart, and draw you close. The world
may rush ahead, but Christ comes quietly, faithfully, and powerfully.
Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace!
Advent Study Guide: Week 2: Immanuel Brings God's Promise to Us
A 7-Day Advent Study Guide on the Theme of Peace
This Week 2 Advent resource offers a clear, accessible exploration of the Messianic prophecies pointing toward Jesus as our Prince of Peace. With daily explanations, biblical background, and gentle spiritual insight, this guide helps you deepen your understanding of Scripture and draw nearer to Christ throughout the Advent season.
Ideal for personal devotions, journaling, or enhancing your
Advent spiritual practice.
Head over to my Gumroad shop for your copy!
God bless,
Sherry
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