FAMILY ADVENT - WEEK 2
PEACE
Family Devotion
It seems like the word ‘peace’ becomes very common during the Christmas season! Songs, ornaments, and decorations are all telling us about the peace that God sent the world through His son, Jesus. But what does “peace” mean? Christians have peace from God that can be described as a calming confidence in the hope of Jesus! Throughout both the Old and New Testament, angels were God’s special messengers. In the Christmas story, angels played a very special role in announcing the birth of Jesus. When the angel appeared to Mary he brought her a message of peace. He told her she would be Jesus’ earthly mother and to not be afraid. He wanted her to know she was called by God to be the mother of Jesus. Jesus came to bring us the gift of peace. Because of our sin, the Bible says we are separated from God but God sent Jesus to provide the way for us to receive God’s love and be at peace with Him. The Bible says that it was God’s love that brought Jesus into the world as a baby. Just like the angels, it is important that we worship Jesus and tell others about His birth. This Christmas, we can tell others about the peace that Jesus brings.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Romans 5:1
Talk About It
How would you describe what peace feels like?
Who gives us peace?
How can you feel peace when life becomes hard?
What are some ways that you could tell others about the birth of Christ this week?
Family Activity
Give the kids each a piece of paper. Have them draw a map of our town. Draw their favorite places like their school, our church, your house, and other places they like to go. Talk about how you could share the love of Jesus with people in those places. This could include things they could say to family or friends but also be about how we interact with others when we have the hope and peace that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus.
Daily Scripture Readings
Sunday: Luke 1:26-38
Monday: Romans 3:23
Tuesday: Luke 2:8-20
Wednesday: Philippians 4:4-8
Thursday: John 14:27
Friday: Isaiah 53:5
Saturday: Colossians 3:12-15
Missions Challenge
As a family, talk about how there are missionaries all over the world that are there to tell other people in different languages and cultures about Jesus and the peace He brings. Follow the link below to see prayer requests from missionaries and people groups around the world. Choose one or two that your family can pray for this week.
*This devotion adapted from LifeWay Publishing, Family Advent Guide.