Advent 2022 — Week 2
Jesus, Our Peace
As we continue going through this Advent season, this week we’ll be reflecting on the biblical meaning of peace and find out how this gift from Jesus came to us and to this world.
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
—John 14:27
Read
1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
— Luke 2:1-7
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
—Matthew 1:18-25
Candle Ceremony
Listen
Peace (Mary) by Poor Bishop Hooper
Angel Gabriel listen in
There’s a perfect message stirring
Not for one of us used to the light
But for one who has to squint her eyes in the sunshine
You’ve probably dreamed of a moment like this
Heard the others betting on specifics
Today's the day we’ve all been waiting
Infinite before infinite after
And you get to be the one to turn the page on the next chapter
So go and tell the girl I show you
She’ll have dirt beneath her nails
A gentle voice that sounds like singing
Even when her patience fails
Her grip is strong but she’s quick to lend
Her knees are worn but her zeal’s not broken
These are the joints that I have chosen to hold
The greatest gift I’ll ever give
When you find her won't you say these words
When you find her won't you say
Do not be afraid for
You have found this day girl
Favor with the lord like
No one else before you
You shall have a son and
He shall be the One that
Tramples over death in
The name of God above
You will call him Jesus
He’ll be called the greatest
On the throne of David
Through the house of Jacob
And his kingdom will have no end
His kingdom will have no end
And his peace will be everlasting
His peace will be everlasting...
Watch
REFLECT
How did the video help you better understand the meaning of biblical hope?
Who and what do we need in order to experience shalom—connection and a sense of completion?
Where do you need shalom to be restored?
Where does shalom need to be restored in your community?