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The Arrival of Peace

Christmas brings us a long-awaited peace

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. … Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT

The peace of God can only be found in Jesus

“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 NLT

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NLT

I must let the peace of Christ rule over…

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT

The peace Jesus offers is meant to be shared

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 NLT

I must work for peace with…

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. Psalm 34:14 NLT

The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:11 NLT

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 NLT

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NLT

People who have a different idea of

The people I live with

Work at living in peace with everyone… Hebrews 12:14 NLT

The closer you live to someone the more you need to practice peace

Jesus offers his peace to anyone who asks for it

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 2 Thessalonians 1:2 NLT

Place your faith in Jesus

And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:50 NLT

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1 NLT

Invite Jesus to change the way you live your life

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2 NLT

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 NLT

And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:13 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Go to a quiet place that will help you to become calm in your emotions and clear in your thinking. Ask God to help you do this. Take a few deep breaths. When you sense you are ready, commit the time to the Lord and ask Him to guide you. Reflect on the fact that Christmas is the celebration of the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. What are your thoughts and feelings that Jesus is the source of peace? Ask God to help you discern an area of your life in which you are not experiencing peace. Are you letting the peace of Christ rule your heart in this situation, or are you seeking peace through something else? What could you surrender in trust to God? Pray God would bring to mind another person in which you are not experiencing peace in your relationship with them. What makes this relationship challenging for you? Invite Jesus to enable you to live in greater peace with this person through forgiveness and grace. Ask God to impress upon you an action He wants you to take this week that will help you work for peace in your relationship with this person.

Discussion Questions

Choose a couple of the following questions from each section that best fit your group. Or have everyone read the questions, choosing which one(s) from each section they feel led to respond to.

  1. START HERE: What is a Christmas gift you couldn't wait to receive as a child?
  2. START HERE: On a scale of 1-10 (1 being very little and 10 being a lot), how much peace do you experience on a daily basis?
  3. START HERE: Why is it difficult to be a person of peace?
  4. KEEP GOING: Who comes to mind when you think of someone who exemplifies being a person of peace? What makes them stand out?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read John 14:27 (NLT). What would complete peace look like in your life?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT). What is keeping you up at night, causing you to experience uncertainty? How much are you allowing anxiety to fill that gap?
  7. KEEP GOING: Why do you think forgiving others is essential for experiencing true peace?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: Read Romans 12:18 (NLT). Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or make peace with? What would it look like to take the first step?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Read Colossians 3:15 (NLT). Think of one area in your life where you need to invite God’s peace to rule. What’s one practical step you can take this week to trust Him in that situation?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: Read Hebrews 12:14 (NLT). How could you work for peace with the people in your life this Christmas season? (family, those you live with, work with, go to school with, people in church)