Break the ice: What is your favorite Christmas song? And why?

Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of Christ. Living in this day and age, we have the joy of being able to look back on Christ’s first coming. Therefore, as we wait for the second coming of Christ, we need to hope in and hold onto the promises of God. This week we reflect on and remember God’s promise of peace.

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Read these passages aloud together.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

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Discuss the Scriptures together and how they interact in your lives:

– Throughout the passages we read together, God’s promise of peace is clearly given. This promise was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus and yet often, we would not describe our lives as “peaceful.” In what ways have you misunderstood or translated peace? How is God’s definition of peace more beautiful?

– In both Isaiah 9 and Luke 2, we see that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of peace, but Jesus is also the source of our peace. And yet, we cannot “access” the source of peace without submission and surrender. As you consider Jesus as your source of peace, what do you find challenging to surrender? What aspects of your life do you want to control to find your own peace?

– The steps of peace are practices to exercise surrender and submission. What steps of peace are present in your life? Which do you need to instill?

Close in Prayer: Thank you, God, for the peace of Christ that protects and covers us. We ask in the name of Jesus, we ask that YouIn show us where we have sought peace from other sources and give us the strength to surrender and submit. We thank You for your mercy and Your love. Amen.