ADVENT DEVOTIONS -WEEK 2 PEACE

7-Day Advent Devotional: Week 2 – Peace

Day 1: God’s Presence Among His People

Summary: God’s desire to dwell among His people is evident throughout the Bible. His presence brings peace, which ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus, Immanuel—God with us.
Read: Exodus 25:1–9
Background: After the fall, humanity was separated from God’s direct presence. Yet, through the tabernacle, God established a way to dwell among His people. This pointed to a future, perfect dwelling through Christ.
Key Words: Tabernacle, dwelling, presence, holy.
Theological Truths:

• John Owen: “The presence of God with his people is their glory, safety, and comfort.”
• J.I. Packer: “To know that nothing can separate us from God’s presence is the supreme comfort of our lives.”
  Questions for Reflection:

1. Why is God’s presence essential for peace?(MULTILINE)
2. How does the tabernacle point to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling with us?(MULTILINE)
3. How does knowing God desires to dwell with you affect your daily life?
   Application: Seek a quiet moment today to reflect on how God’s presence brings peace to your life.(MULTILINE)

Day 2: God’s Redemption Through a Redeemer

Summary: Boaz’s role as a redeemer for Ruth reflects the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus, who brings peace to our brokenness.
Read: Ruth 4:13–17
Background: Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, restored Naomi and Ruth’s hope. This redemption foreshadows Christ, who redeems us from sin.
Key Words: Redeemer, restoration, hope, fulfillment.
Theological Truths:

• Charles Spurgeon: “Jesus is our glorious Boaz; He redeems us entirely and restores us to hope.”
• John Calvin: “Christ has come as the true kinsman-redeemer for our souls.”
  Questions for Reflection:

1. What does the story of Ruth and Boaz teach you about God’s peace in broken situations?(MULTILINE)
2. How does Jesus fulfill the role of the ultimate Redeemer in your life?(MULTILINE)
3. How can you reflect God’s redemptive peace to others?(MULTILINE)
   Application: Write down an area of brokenness in your life and pray, asking Jesus to bring His redeeming peace into it.

Day 3: God’s Promise of a Peaceful Kingdom

Summary: God’s covenant with David promised a kingdom of peace, fulfilled through Christ, the eternal King.
Read: 2 Samuel 7:8–13
Background: The Davidic Covenant points to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, whose reign will bring ultimate peace.
Key Words: Covenant, kingdom, throne, eternal.
Theological Truths:

• Augustine: “The peace of Christ surpasses all earthly kingdoms, for His reign is eternal.”
• Matthew Henry: “God’s covenant with David was the sure foundation for the hope of eternal peace through Christ.”
  Questions for Reflection:

1. What does God’s promise to David reveal about His plan for peace?(MULTILINE)
2. How does Jesus’s eternal reign bring peace to your life?(MULTILINE)
3. What role do God’s promises play in giving you hope during uncertain times?(MULTILINE)
   Application: Spend time in prayer, thanking God for His eternal promises that bring peace to your life.

Day 4: The Promise of the Prince of Peace

Summary: Isaiah’s prophecy foretold the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who would reconcile humanity to God.
Read: Isaiah 9:6–7
Background: Isaiah prophesied during turbulent times, yet he offered hope in the coming Messiah, who would establish eternal peace.
Key Words: Peace, government, Messiah, Prince.
Theological Truths:

• John Piper: “The peace Jesus brings is not a fragile ceasefire but a deep and enduring reconciliation with God.”
• Martin Luther: “Christ alone is our peace, and He governs with justice and righteousness.”
  Questions for Reflection:

1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the Prince of Peace in your life?(MULTILINE)
2. How does Isaiah’s prophecy give you hope in the midst of challenges?(MULTILINE)
3. In what ways can you experience the peace of Christ this Advent season?(MULTILINE)
   Application: Meditate on Isaiah 9:6–7 and consider how you can surrender areas of unrest in your life to the Prince of Peace.

Day 5: The Suffering Servant Brings Peace

Summary: Jesus’s suffering on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice to bring us peace with God.
Read: Isaiah 53:1–6
Background: The prophecy of the suffering servant highlights the depth of Jesus’s love and the cost of our peace.
Key Words: Wounded, transgression, iniquity, peace.
Theological Truths:

• R.C. Sproul: “The chastisement that brought us peace fell upon Him; this is the heart of the gospel.”
• Jonathan Edwards: “The sufferings of Christ are the fountain of all true peace.”
  Questions for Reflection:

1. What does Isaiah 53 teach you about the cost of peace with God?(MULTILINE)
2. How does reflecting on Jesus’s suffering affect your gratitude for His sacrifice?(MULTILINE)
3. What does it mean to you that Jesus bore your punishment to give you peace?(MULTILINE)
   Application: Take time to thank Jesus for the peace He purchased for you through His suffering and death.

Day 6: Immanuel: God With Us

Summary: The birth of Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to be with His people and bring them peace.
Read: Matthew 1:18–24; Luke 1:30–37
Background: The angel’s announcement to Mary and Joseph revealed God’s miraculous plan to bring peace through the birth of His Son.
Key Words: Immanuel, promise, virgin birth, Savior.
Theological Truths:

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “The coming of God is truly the good news, bringing peace to those who wait.”
• C.S. Lewis: “The Son of God became man to enable men to become sons of God.”
  Questions for Reflection:

1. How does the name “Immanuel” bring you comfort and peace?(MULTILINE)
2. What can you learn from Mary and Joseph’s obedience to God’s plan?(MULTILINE)
3. How does the reality of God being with us shape your daily life?(MULTILINE)
   Application: Reflect on an area of your life where you need to trust in God’s presence and bring that to Him in prayer.

Day 7: The Joyful Response to Peace

Summary: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth highlights the joy and peace found in recognizing God’s work in their lives.
Read: Luke 1:38–45
Background: Mary’s humility and Elizabeth’s blessing emphasize the peace that comes from surrendering to God’s will.
Key Words: Joy, faith, blessing, surrender.
Theological Truths:

• Francis Schaeffer: “True peace comes when we trust God’s purposes, even when they surpass our understanding.”
• John Stott: “Faith turns the promises of God into personal peace and joy.”
  Questions for Reflection:

1. How does Mary’s response to God’s call challenge you to trust Him more fully?(MULTILINE)
2. What does Elizabeth’s blessing reveal about the peace of recognizing God’s plan?(MULTILINE)
3. How can you celebrate and share the peace of Christ with others this Advent season?(MULTILINE)
   Application: Share one way you’ve experienced God’s peace with someone this week to encourage them in their faith.