Trust That Brings Peace

 TRUST THAT BRINGS PEACE

Read Luke 1.78-79

Right now, you're likely very busy. You might be studying, racing back and forth between different activities, and keeping up with a busy social schedule. Amid all of this, you likely can't wait to experience the great relief that comes when the last bell rings and Christmas break finally begins, giving you a much-needed chance to find peace from the flurry of homework and activities.

Many things might come to mind when we think of the word "peace." It could be a casual greeting or way of saying goodbye. It could be the calm of a quiet room or a serene spot in nature on your walk home from school, practice, or a friend's house. It could be the state of a nation that is not at war or a way to describe two people getting along well.

It could also be the internal feeling we get when we're in our happy place, free from anxiety. The authors of the Bible likely had many, if not all, of these definitions in mind when they wrote about the peace we can find in Christ.

This week, we're diving into the beginning of the story of Jesus's birth, with the theme of peace as our guide. In the Bible, the story of Jesus's birth is told in two places: in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. We'll begin this week by introducing each of these biblical authors, Matthew and Luke, and learn why they wrote about this story.

Then, we'll meet the members of the first family introduced in the story: Zechariah, his wife Elizabeth, and their son, John the Baptist. Zechariah will reveal that God gives us many opportunities to trust Him, even if we initially fail. Elizabeth will show us that God sees us and cares about us, and John the Baptist will teach us to find encouragement in the fact that God's story is much bigger than us.

As you will read later this week, Zechariah prays in Luke 1.78-79, 

"Because of our God's merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." 

We encourage you to memorize this verse this week, as you learn from the stories mentioned above.

Each of these individuals teaches us something about the peace that God offers us, the peace of forgiveness, of feeling known, and of humility. Jesus has come to bring this peace to earth. Choosing to trust in Him will give us true and lasting peace in all areas of our lives.

Reflect on the word "peace." What does it mean to you? 

What are things that give you peace?

What songs or movies make you think about peace? 

What comes to mind when you read the phrase "the peace of God"?

Pray and ask God to reveal how He offers you peace through Jesus Christ this week.

Song to Reflect On “O Day of Peace" from the album The Light Came Down by Josh Garrels