121 AdventSample
How Do We Take Peace To The World?
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he urges them to have the attitude of a Christ, a posture of humility (Philippians 2:1-11). Humility is considering others as more significant than yourself. It’s not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less so that we can think of others more.
Jesus came to bring us peace, to reconcile our broken relationship with God. And He leaves us here as His representatives, His agents of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). We have an obligation to consider others as more significant than ourselves and to bring to them the hope that they too can be reconciled back to God, they too can have peace with their Creator.
So how can we do that? Love others as Jesus has loved them. Bring peace as Jesus has brought peace. Seek their well being. Seek peace for their lives. When we genuinely look out for the betterment of others, peace will naturally follow.
Families With Young Children
Read Matthew 5:9. KIDS, What are some ways the world says we can have peace? (going to a spa or retreat; relaxing on a beach; reading a good book; etc.) While there is nothing wrong with any of these activities, what does God say about how we can have peace? (through Jesus) By telling others about Jesus we can let them know that true peace comes only from Jesus. Think of some ways you can share the news of God’s peace to others?
Read Luke 2:15-18. KIDS, the excitement has raced through the shepherds and spread to others as they shared this wonderful news. What was the wonderful news they had to share? (that Jesus was born) Was the news of Jesus’ birth a surprise to everyone? (no, the story had been foretold many years earlier) If you had been one of the shepherds, who would you have told the news to and how would you have told them? Pretend you are a shepherd and act out what you would have done.
As you pray, thank God for His promise to send a Savior and thank Him for sending His one and only Son, Jesus. Ask Him to help show you how to keep peace with others.
About this Plan
The birth of Christ, His advent, marks God's ultimate plan for our redemption. In Christ, we see the fullest picture of God's hope, peace, joy and love. God's Word is the truth by which we know and walk with Him daily. It is our hope that this guide will encourage and facilitate personal time spent in the Word and provide a resource for families with children to do that together.
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