Advent Devotions 2017
Day Seven
Peace
December 9, 2017

My Peace I Give to You

John 16:33
I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you face persecution.
But take courage; I have conquered the world!

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When I accepted the invitation to write a devotion for the Advent season and chose Peace for the topic, my mind went in many directions. I initially tried to find ways to obtain peace in my daily life. This was very elusive. Our country and the world is in turmoil. The daily news is very upsetting. Hate, fear, and anger are the topics that dominate. How can you obtain an attitude of peace under these conditions?

Rereading these scriptures over and over, I suddenly came to the realization that it is not for me to try to obtain peace in my heart. Peace is a gift from God: “My peace I give to you,” says Jesus.

The gift of peace comes to you when you put your faith and trust in Jesus and not in things of this world. His death on the cross gives you grace (your sins have been forgiven). His resurrection gives you the assurance of eternal life with him.

The peace that passes all understanding – For what more can we ask?

Written by Bea Tyler
Art by Matthew C.