Peace | The Promise of Peace
December 7, 2025
In a world torn by conflict, Isaiah shares a stunning vision of swords turned into plowshares and nations streaming to the mountain of God. That vision became reality in Bethlehem when the Prince of Peace arrived to dwell among us. Peace is not the absence of conflict, nor the naïve optimism of pacifism. True peace is the presence of Christ — God’s peace made real. Join us for part 2 of For Unto Us, where we are reminded that Jesus is God’s declaration of peace on earth, and of His call to us to live as peacemakers in a world in desperate need of peace.
Passage
Peace ##promised## (Isaiah 2:1-2)
Peace ##revealed## (Isaiah 2:3-4)
Peace ##practiced## (Isaiah 2:5)
Principle
##Jesus## is the presence of God’s ##Peace## on ##earth##.
Practice
Be a peacemaker by ##practicing## the ##ways## of ##Jesus##.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple’s or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
This week, we light the Advent candle of Peace. When you hear the word peace, what comes to mind first—calm circumstances, restored relationships, or something else? Can you think of a time when you experienced peace in the middle of chaos? What brought it?
HEAR
Read Luke 2:1-4
- Why do you think Luke begins the Christmas story with the names of rulers and governments? What does this teach us about the kind of world Jesus entered?
- What kind of peace does Jesus bring that Caesar or any human ruler cannot?
- Why would the angels declare peace in such a chaotic and divided world? How does this connect with Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 2?
Read Luke 2:5-7
- What stands out to you about the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth? How does this shape our understanding of God’s peace?
- How does God’s entering the world in weakness and vulnerability confront our assumptions about power, security, and peace?
- What does it mean that peace isn’t the absence of conflict but the presence of God? How do we see that truth in the manger?
Read Luke 2:8-20
- Why do you think the angels announced peace to the shepherds—an overlooked and marginalized group—rather than to rulers or priests?
- The shepherds responded by going “with haste” to see Jesus and then telling others what they had seen. What does this teach us about our role as peacemakers?
- Isaiah 2 describes nations streaming to God’s Mountain, beating swords into plowshares. How does the birth of Christ begin the fulfillment of that vision, and how is it still awaiting completion?
HUDDLE
Peace is more than a feeling—it’s the life of Christ flowing through us into our relationships, homes, and communities. Where do you most need the peace of Christ right now? How can you live as a peacemaker this week—in your family, workplace, neighborhood, or church? Invite one another to share, commit to practical next steps, and pray together that Christ’s peace would be experienced and extended through your lives this Christmas season.
Daily Reading
Reflection Question: Where are you seeking peace apart from God — and what does His peace look like instead?
- Day 1: Isaiah 2:1-5
- Day 2: Zechariah 9:9-10
- Day 3: Luke 2:1-14
- Day 4: Micah 5:1-5
- Day 5: John 14:25-31
- Day 6: Ephesians 2:11-22
- Day 7: Isaiah 26:1-12
Passage to Memorize: John 14:27
Think Deeper
- How does Isaiah’s vision connect with the angels’ song of peace in Luke 2?
- Why is true peace more than just the absence of conflict?
- What does it look like for you to “walk in peace” this Advent?
Suggested Resources
The Music of Christmas, by Gary and Sheri Webber
Watch for the Light, Various Authors (Plough Publishing)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, edited by Nancy Guthrie
Behold the Lamb, by Andrew Peterson
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.