Peacemaking Builds Everlasting Joy in Community | Advent Devotional Day 19

Advent 2025 DevotionalCore | Peace
December 18, 2025
Written by Katie Hotze-Wilton

Title: Peacemaking Builds Everlasting Joy in Community

Scripture: Isaiah 35:8a, 10


My Reflection

Peacemaking is a key component to the joy and unity found in community. The Greek word koinonia means - Christian fellowship or communion, with God or, more commonly, with fellow Christians. This reminds me that our faith is deeply rooted in relationships with one another. When we think about community, we are called to walk with one another through the hardships of life and through the joys of life. We are not alone trying to get through it all.

This Scripture from Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of hope: “A highway will be there, called The Holy Way,” a path that leads to Zion, where those who are redeemed will come together with singing and everlasting joy. This vision invites us to consider that peace is not something we merely wish for, but something we actively walk toward. We are all on a path of healing heading into this Advent season. When we commit ourselves to peacemaking, we participate in the divine act of restoring harmony in our relationships, our communities, and the world. 

The image of singing with joy reminds us that peace and happiness are intertwined. True peace from Christ surpasses our limited understanding; it’s an eternal joy that overwhelms grief and suffering. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be part of this journey, to cultivate peace amid chaos and to bring God's love into our interactions. We are part of a larger story, where grief and groaning will flee, replaced by the eternal presence of God's joy. Even in a world that seems dark, there is a glimmer of light out there shining forth in the darkness.

In this Advent season, as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming, let us reflect on how our efforts at peacemaking—no matter how small—contribute to building this everlasting joy in koinonia. May our actions reflect the love of Christ, and may we walk the Holy Way together with hope and confidence.

My Prayer:

Holy and Loving One, thank you for the gift of community. May I embrace those around me this Advent season. May your peace fall anew on me today. May songs of joy fill my heart and lips.  Amen.

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