Fourth Week in Advent - Peace

Peace

Fourth Week in Advent

Call to Worship

Psalm 29:10-11, NIV

Reader 1:The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;

Reader 2: The Lord is enthroned as King forever.

Reader 1: The Lord gives strength to his people;

Reader 2:  The Lord blesses his people with peace.

Opening Prayer 

Prince of peace, give us peace by making us agents of peace. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. - Luke 2:13-16 (NIV)

Reflection

When the angels arrived on the scene they sang a song of praise. Ever since, songs have defined our Christmas season. This song was a cry for peace. In the Old Testament, Shalom was a concept that meant more than just an absence of war. It was a word referring to community wholeness, a community where everyone had what they needed and were loved and accepted. 

What Christmas song most helps you get into the Christmas spirit? Which one helps you best focus on giving praise to God and Jesus?

What does it mean for our communities to be “whole” or “not lacking”? What needs to happen in our homes, cities, nation, for there to be “Shalom”?

Break it down for kids:

The people in the Bible spoke many different languages. Many times, they spoke Hebrew, and in that language there’s a word called “Shalom.” Today, it can be used in many cultures; it can mean hello or goodbye, but in the Bible it often means “peace.” This kind of peace means everyone is getting along and everyone is treated fairly. 

Do you find it easy to get along with your friends and/or siblings? Is it easier or harder to get along with them during the Christmas season?

Do you know what it means for something to be “fair”? How can we as a family make sure everyone is treated fairly?

Candle Lighting

Light candles #1-4.

Today, we light the candles for hope, faith, joy and peace. We look to the future; we trust God in the present; we rejoice in the good and work to bring Shalom into the world.

Carol

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King:

peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!"

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,

join the triumph of the skies;

with angelic hosts proclaim,

"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King"

Christ, by highest heaven adored,

Christ, the everlasting Lord,

late in time behold him come,

offspring of the Virgin's womb:

veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

hail the incarnate Deity,

pleased with us in flesh to dwell,

Jesus, our Immanuel. 

Closing Prayer

Take a few minutes to pray on your own or as a family. If you are doing this with others, you might give space for people to pray as they feel lead, with the leader closing the time.