LakewayChurch 2023 Advent Guide - Flipbook - Page 9
Third Week of Advent - PEACE
A Peaceful Activity
P
Finding a moment of quiet in the midst of Advent
is often more challenging than any other time
of year. Our schedules are packed with parties
and our to-do lists are never-ending. What if you
scheduled a brief time (10-30 minutes) several
evenings during Advent when you and your
family would gather around the tree in the quiet?
Here are a few suggestions of how you could
spend the time: Listen to Christmas music. Read
the Christmas story aloud from Luke 2:1-20.
Share some favorite Christmas memories over a
cup of hot cocoa. Look at a scrapbook or photos
from previous Christmases. Look at Christmas
cards received. Take turns voicing prayers of
gratitude. Read other favorite Christmas stories
aloud to one another. Savor the rejuvenating
power that comes only from the stillness wrapped
in love.
eace is a rare and wonderful experience. In
many cases, we have to work for it. We have
to choose to be peacemakers. It is so much easier
to let anger rule the day or to react with hatred
when we are mistreated. As we light the peace
candle during Advent, let’s remember put into
practice the kind of reactions that would make
Jesus happy. When someone says something hurtful, choose to take a deep breath before responding. When someone does something irresponsible, choose forgiveness. When others act in ways
the world would approve, choose to demonstrate
the image of God within you. Peace in our world
will only result when there is peace in individual
hearts through the love and forgiveness of Jesus.
May we choose to be living examples of that kind
of peace.