Inquisitive Adventures

An Advent Reflection

We have arrived at Week Two of Advent. Words are important to me—the words we speak to ourselves and to others hold great power. It may sound a little strange, but I have favorite words, and this week’s theme is one of them.

Today’s Candle is Peace. 

Advent is a beautiful season. It is not based on the arrival of Jesus alone, but also teaches us how to wait. Often, we carry an image of peace that looks like predictability, everything going according to plan, or feeling calm. Yet life has a way of blindsiding us. We find ourselves stressed and ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. Sometimes we even place our peace into the hands of control, finances, and people.

The Israelite’s were awaiting a Messiah during a time when much of their lives was out of their control—world events, political unrest, and uncertainty shaped their daily lives. Our world is not that different.  

Our world can feel hopeless and deeply divided. Anger and judgment has become a banner for many. Our present circumstances can shake us and cause us to experience pain or heart break.

 And yet, there is good news.

We can have hope because Jesus is not only God with us—Isaiah 9:6 calls Him the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

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.

The word used for peace in this passage is the Hebrew word shalom. This is another meaningful word to me. One of the core meanings of this word is living in perfect harmony with God, creation and with others. It represents a return of the state of the world as it was in the Garden of Eden. It means completeness with God. 

Shalom does not arrive through power or force. It comes quietly—through Jesus being born in a manger.

Jesus is the answer to peace. He is the Prince of Shalom. Because Jesus reconciled us to God through the cross, peace is no longer something we strive for, but something we receive—and something we look forward to in fullness when He returns to create a new heaven and a new earth.

Advent invites us to live in the tension of shalom in the midst of brokenness and heartache. On the night before the cross, Jesus says in 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.”

 Shalom does not mean the absence of suffering.  It means that even in pain and hardship we can experience peace when we allow Jesus to enter our lives. He will walk with us through suffering. He grounds us in the shalom that flows from his presence–here and now.

Our world needs Jesus. Our world needs shalom.

As followers of Christ, we are called to peace. Shalom becomes visible as the Holy Spirit overflows from our lives, allowing our presence to reflect God’s peace to those around us

When we live rooted in Christ’s peace, our lives become like a city on a hill — not drawing attention to ourselves, but quietly pointing others to God.

Cultivating peace is a way of abiding in Christ—surrendering control, practicing reconciliation, and keeping Sabbath as we meet Jesus in quiet places.

Advent reminds us that peace does not arrive loudly or fully formed. It comes quietly—in the presence of Christ—before the world is mended. As we wait, we are not asked to create peace, but to receive it and allow it to take root within us.

Shalom is already near.

As we close today, whether you are lighting an Advent candle or simply reading, take a moment to breathe. Receive the peace Jesus gives and rest in His shalom. Below, I’ve included a few song suggestions for reflection, along with Scripture passages to carry with you this week.

My prayer is that each of you experiences moments of true peace in the days ahead.

Grace and peace,
Chrissy Rose

Scriptures to Carry With You This Week

• Isaiah 11:1–10
  
• Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19
  
• Matthew 3:1–12
  
• John 14:27
  
• Isaiah 9:6

Songs for Reflection

If it feels helpful, these songs can sit beside you as you rest in God’s peace.

• Prince of Peace (Live) — Hillsong United & Taya
  
• Prince of Peace (feat. Abby Vaughn) — Cross Point Music
  
• Shalom— Bridge Worship & Setnick Sene