121 AdventSample

What is Peace?

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice.” MLK

Martin Luther King Jr. knew that true peace was not just the day when violence on the basis of race would end, but when all people would come together for the mutual benefit of others. Peace is not simply getting children to stop bickering with each other, it is seeing them enjoy one another.

From the very beginning of time, peace was understood to be not simply the absence of that which is bad, but also the presence of that which is good.

In the Bible, the Hebrew word used for peace is “shalom". Shalom means wholeness, complete flourishing of a person’s life. Biblically, shalom is often used to reference a person’s life being whole with God. Perhaps the best way to think of peace is to think back to those first days on earth, before sin. Think back to what God said after He created the heavens and the earth and all that is within it. “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (Genesis 1:31).” God created everything to operate in perfect harmony with one another and with God. This is shalom; this is peace.

Do you have this peace? Is your soul flourishing with your Creator? Can you look at your life and say, “It is very good”? Good news, it is yours to be had!

Families With Young Children

Read Matthew 8:23-27. KIDS, In this story, why were the disciples scared? (because there was a storm) What was Jesus doing when the storm started? (sleeping) What did Jesus do after the disciples woke Him up? (He told the storm to 'HUSH') Do you think this gave them peace and made them feel safe? What makes you feel safe? Where do you go to have a peaceful place? (Encourage them to think of special places that make them feel safe – their home, their room, a play area in the yard, etc.. Point them to the fact that no matter where they are they can feel the peace of Jesus because He is always with them.) Have some fun with the Bible story by acting it out!

Read Matthew 1:18-22. KIDS, How excited Mary must have been to know that she was going to have a baby and that baby was God’s Son! An angel had come to her to let her know she was going to have a baby. The angel also went to Joseph, her husband, and told him too! If you have a younger brother or sister, talk about how excited you were when your parents told you the news of the new baby. If you are a younger brother or sister, talk about how excited your whole family was when they found out about you! Being a part of a family brings us peace and security.

As you pray, thank God for always being with you. Thank Him for your home and your parents that make you feel safe. Thank Him for your family and pray for there to be peace among all family members.