Advent 1 - Peace

Hey everyone,
This Sunday is the beginning of the Advent season where we anticipate the birth of Jesus and reflect on how his comming changed the world and continues to change the world. I always like to get personal during this time of year and ask people to think about how Jesus entering their lives, however that happened or is happening, changed things. This year, we're going with a series called "He Came Down that we Might Have _____". Each week a different word will fill the blank and this week it is the word 'Peace.' Here are the scripture passages we'll be reading:

Isaiah 2:1-5
1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
5 Come, house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Romans 13:11B-14
11 The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

So, here are two ways you can prepare for Sunday and help me if you leave comments. First of all, when you read these passages, what do they say to you about how Jesus brings peace? Second, when you reflect on your life or on the lives of people who are close to you, how have you seen Jesus bring peace?

Have a great week. -Pastor Eric