In the second week of Advent, Christians take time to reflect upon the peace that Christ gives. Christ brings us peace by making it clear that we are not alone. He is Immanuel, God with us. Christ brings us peace by assuring us that our sins have been forgiven. Our sins will not be counted against us. We have been pardoned by the blood of Christ. Christ brings us peace by promising to one day set all things right once and for all. Evil, violence, hatred, and discord will not get the last say in our world. Christ is coming again. On that day, he will establish a kingdom of peace that will last forevermore.

Some key verses on peace:

• “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” – Psalm 4:8.
• “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” – Psalm 119:165.
• “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding . . . Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace” – Proverbs 3:13-17.
• “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end” – Isaiah 9:6-7a.
• “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” – Isaiah 53:5.
• “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” – Luke 2:14.
• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” – John 14:27.
• “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” – John 16:33.
• “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” – Romans 5:1.
• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:6-7.
• “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” – Colossians 1:19-20.

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