Prophets of Peace | Advent Devotional Day 21

Advent 2025 DevotionalCore | Peace
December 20, 2025
Written by Laura Boemler

Title: Prophets of Peace

Scripture:


My Reflection

Every Sunday morning, we take time during church to “pass the peace”. We greet each other and shake hands. The tradition of passing the peace is intended to be a moment of reconciliation and unity among the congregants. Reconciliation and unity feel like lofty goals, don’t they? Do any of us actually feel reconciled or united? Are we able to show up to our communities, friendships, and workplaces as peacemakers?

There is a Hebrew word, Shalom, that means peace. Greater than peace, Shalom implies more than a lack of conflict. It is peace in wholeness and completeness. In this Advent season, even when peace feels so out of reach, we can prayerfully consider how to be prophets of peace. At times, it can seem as if we’re too distracted and distraught to actively seek out reconciliation and wholeness. It can be challenging to wholeheartedly want unity with people who live differently and believe differently and who voted differently than us. Are we too conditioned, in 2025, to want anything other than conflict?
 
The word advent means to wait for a notable event.  During Advent, we wait for the birth of the King who brings peace and calls us to be peacemakers.  As we wait for all to be made right, it’s no wonder we don’t feel the peace of Jesus when injustice surrounds us. When a country or a society or a household lacks empathy or compassion, how can we be expected to be peacemakers? Furthermore, what does it look like to be peacemakers as children of God? It can be easy to think there is peace if we have our eyes closed to injustice. As hard as it is, it’s important to be reminded of injustice and turmoil. There is no peace when we neglect the poor or turn away the marginalized or refuse to feed the hungry.

In Jeremiah 28:9, it is only considered a true prophecy if the message of peace is fulfilled.  As we love and serve others, care for our neighbors, feed the hungry, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8) we will fulfill the prophecy of peace. There is no peace apart from justice; when justice and peace are lacking, we need to reform our ways.
 
“I don't want to be swallowed by the darkness. Nor do I want to be blinded by the beautiful facade. No, I want to be part of a people who see the darkness, know it's real, and then, then, then, light a candle anyway. And hold that candle up against the wind and pass along our light wherever it's needed from our own homes to the halls of legislation to the church pulpit to the kitchens of the world.”

― Sarah Bessey, Out of Sorts: Making Peace with an Evolving Faith

My Prayer:

• Breath prayer for peace this season: 
  • Inhale: Teach us how to wait well 
  • Exhale: with defiance and compassion.
    
    

Reflection Questions:

• What steps can you take to bring more peace into your life and home this Advent season?
• How can you be a peacemaker to others in your community?

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