Introduction to Advent 2025

Introduction to Advent 2025: PEACE
Melissa Ross
 
Scripture: “Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27

PEACE is the theme of the 2025 Advent devotion for the Gathering Church.  In this weekend sandwiched between Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you are likely busy! There are relatives to see, flights to catch, Christmas cards to write…the list goes on and on.  I doubt that “peace” is the first word popping into your mind.  

So pause, breathe and take a moment to consider words that Jesus shared about peace: 
Reorient yourself this advent season by keeping this promise from Jesus in mind.  Make time to be still and focus on the peace that Jesus offers during this advent, a period of waiting. Pause now and consider this and other ways you can still be in this advent season.  Too often, we anxiously jump ahead to the nativity story, like Linus memorably recites Luke 2:1-20 in the Peanuts Christmas special.  

Consistent with this intention to remain in a state of anticipation, our advent devotions this year are based on texts from the Old Testament.  These verses from the prophets and the Psalms serve as clues on a scavenger hunt to see Jesus as the source of peace.  Each week of advent, devotions will have a specific focus:

• Week 1: Sign of Peace in Worship: sharing peace in worship marks as as people who extend compassion to others
• Week 2: Movement for a Peaceful Kingdom: making peace in worship leads us to be peacemakers in our community
• Week 3: Ministry of Peace: all are called to the work of peacemaking and reconciliation
• Week 4: Peace messengers in the Nativity story

Choose a time to enjoy these daily advent devotions and think about how the promise of peace that we read about connects with the scriptures and mediations.  We are challenged to confirm that the child born to Mary and Joseph is indeed the Christ, who embodies and fulfills these long awaited prophecies.  Ultimately, our goal is to welcome the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:9) into our hearts and minds as we anticipate and rejoice in celebrating this Christmas.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, prepare my heart to connect with you and receive your peace in this advent season.  Thank you for this opportunity.  Amen.

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