PEACE ON EARTH

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace...” (Luke 2:14a)

Wishing for world peace is not a new thing. It is as old as the stories in the pages of our Scripture. God’s people have long been awaiting the new dawn, He who will “give light to those who sit in darkness and...guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). 

Action: Sit hugging your knees like you're afraid, then, as though you see a surprise gift, spring up with joy!

Advent is the season in the church calendar when Christians remember the birth of Jesus, in the days leading up to Christmas. The word is simply Latin for “coming”. But that’s not all! Advent is also a faithful expression of God’s people awaiting the return of Jesus. Like Israel in exile crying out with hope for deliverance, we join in the refrain, in anticipation of the second Advent: 

O come, O come Emmanuel, 

And ransom captive Israel, 

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appears. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! 

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. 

Action: Place your hands by your mouth. Imagine lots of people calling out "Come, Emmanuel".

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Only through Jesus can we have True Peace on earth. 

For some, this time of year may be a merry time, with lots of yummy foods and fancy gifts. But not everyone feels that way about Christmas. Many carry heavy troubles with no way to ease their burdens. In fact, in this super-long period of uncertainty the whole world has been facing, all of us need this bright reminder (like Christmas trees need lights!): Jesus is our Prince of Peace and we can place our hope in Him. 

Action: Wipe away your tears, smile with your hands on your heart. Then, put out your hands like you're giving each other gifts.

What ties you to un-peace in your life? 

What stands in the way of God’s peace, this Christmas? 

What can you do for someone who needs peace today? 

As we celebrate Christmas, may we receive True Peace with expectant hearts, and may we be sharers of this Peace wherever we are. 

SENSORY ACTIVITY

Friction or Peace? 
Key Verse: Matthew 5:9
Additional Verses: Romans 12:18; Psalm 34:14; Galatians 5:22-23

Materials Needed: Just your hands!

Object Lesson:

• Put out your hands.

• Now clap them together and hold them firmly. Now rub them back and forth. Faster! Faster! (Keep rubbing your hands together until you feel a lot of heat.)

Do you feel your hands heating up? Do you know why they heat up like that? It’s because of friction. As you rub them together, friction generates heat.
This happens when two or more people are around each other. They can rub each other the wrong way. They can irritate each other and they get frustrated. As their frustration builds up, friction increases. Not the kind of heat that warms up your hands, but the kind that comes out in anger, that can cause mean words or unkind actions.

If you are in a situation that causes friction with someone else, choose to bring peace instead of bringing anger. The Bible says in Matthew 5:9 that God blesses those who work for peace. Peace is also one of the fruit of the spirit. If you see two people rubbing each other the wrong way, you can ask God for help to be a peacemaker.

Reflection:

How have you seen someone bring peace? 

How can Jesus help us be peacemakers?