Advent: A Time of Peace
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46-56, John 16:33
Memory Verse
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (NIV)
Are there any big changes coming in your life? Have you been expecting these changes? Sometimes we see big changes coming, and they change our whole lives: maybe it’s a move to a new city, the birth of a sibling, or waiting to start the next grade. When a big change happens, we can feel both excited and anxious.
Mary, a young teenager, was engaged to Joseph when, all of sudden, the angel Gabriel appeared and told her that she would be the mother of the Son of God! How do you think she reacted to this incredible news? Was she excited? Did she worry what Joseph would think? Did she feel anxious about becoming a mother so unexpectedly? Jesus’ arrival would dramatically change her life forever.
Look at the end of Mary’s astonishing conversation with an angel! Mary felt at peace and beautifully responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” This was great faith! In trust, Mary gave everything that she was and everything she wanted to be to the Lord. She obeyed the word of God spoken to her. By answering that she was the Lord’s servant, she had peace about God making big changes to the plans she’d made for her life. Today, we still are amazed by that peace.
Mary heard the angel say, “Nothing is impossible with God.” Believe and trust that God has a plan for you too. Whatever you face, God is with you. God is faithful and will protect you. When we feel anxious about changes that are happening, we can pray for peace. And God, who knows us really well, will calm our anxiety and give us his peace.
Prayer
Prince of Peace, thank you that you are with us even when we are going through big changes. Help us walk in peace during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for Jesus’ coming. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.Related Resources
Ron VandenBurg
Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries
Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle-school for 27 years. Ron completed a M. Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have three fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.