Intro

Advent is a word that means “arrival” or “coming.” It’s the very first season of the Christian year, beginning four weeks before Christmas. While Advent looks back and celebrates when Jesus first came as a baby, Advent is also about looking forward - waiting and preparing for when He will come again as King. Think about it: when was the last time you stopped and really thought about Jesus’ return and its practical implications for life right now? Advent gives us space to do just that. It’s a season the Church has set aside to help us practice longing - longing for His return, His hope, His peace, His joy, and His love.

As we journey through these weeks together, our prayer is simple. We are asking God to grow in us hearts that long for Jesus; that as we remember His first coming and look ahead to His return, we’d be marked by His hope, peace, joy, and love. Each week, we’ll focus on one of these themes. You’ll have daily reflections and practices that invite you to slow down, listen, and let God’s Word shape your heart this Advent season. Here’s the simple format you’ll follow:

Day 1 - Read the verse.
Day 2 - Write the verse.
Day 3 - Repeat the verse.
Day 4 - Pray the verse.

It’s common for us to move on from verses quickly, but we’re hoping that lingering on one passage for each theme of Advent will be a welcome opportunity to slow down with the Bible; to let it sink in; to allow it to settle deeper in our hearts. In addition to the particular discipline of the day, you’re invited to do a couple of other things:

1. Light the Advent candles. One tradition we love for the season of Advent is to light one candle per week of Advent, working your way up to four and then lighting a fifth Christ candle on Christmas Day. Since "Peace" is week 2 of Advent, you'd like 2 candles this week. We remember that in our present darkness and waiting, Jesus is ultimately the light of the world!
2. Listen to and/or sing the Verses song. This will help you both memorize it and meditate on it! If you want a playlist with more songs on the Advent theme of the week, head to our app or to our Spotify playlist that has an assortment of more verses that focus on that theme.

Day 1: Read It

Philippians 4:6–7
[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

If you could pick a one-word adjective to describe the world today what would it be? There are many possible answers, but “peace” or “peaceful” would most likely not be one of them. What seems to be abundant are wars, deaths, division, rage, chaos, and hatred. In the verses above, the apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and clues them in on a little secret about peace. While we mainly look for external peace of circumstances, God currently has an unlimited supply of internal peace available for us in the chaotic and unruly waters we swim in today! A peace that “surpasses all understanding” and that doesn’t make sense to the natural mind or the person observing your situation.

While that sounds great in theory, how do we practically access this peace? Paul tells us right before in verse 6. He tells us to not be anxious about anything, but instead to come to Him in prayer and with supplication (which is basically prayer but with a more urgent and intensified tone). These prayers and supplications aren’t just vague requests but tied to real situations we are dealing with! We are accompany our earnest supplications with thanksgiving; we are to learn to be grateful even in anxious situations. How in the world we do this? Perhaps start with this: before you ask God for something, begin by thanking Him for something instead. Recall something that’s true about Him, either about His character or something He’s done in the past! You might find that rehearsing these truths begin to put your anxieties and fears in their proper place because you see the enormity of God again.

What do these verses have to do with Advent? Interestingly, just one verse prior in Philippians 4:5, Paul says this: “The Lord is at hand.” There are two ways this verse could be read. One way is simply stating the reality that Jesus is near to us and relationally available. Another possible meaning is that Jesus’ return is imminent. Both of these are true, and perhaps Paul left it vague intentionally so we’d remember both! Christian, the reality that Jesus is at hand is meant to spark something in our prayer life! It’s intended to boost our faith and lead us into prayers and supplications and thanksgivings before the God of peace who graciously gifts us a taste of His peace right now! This passage reminds us that Advent is for prayer! His return isn’t a license to prayerlessness and spiritual apathy, but rather one that is meant to stir up and intensify our prayer life. As we come to Him in prayer, He fills us with peace. What a kindness and what an invitation!

Today, your assignment around this passage is simple: Read it. If you’re able to read it out loud, by all means do! Don’t just read it once; try reading it a few times over. Notice the cadence and flow of the passage. Linger on words and phrases. Don’t forget there’s a simple power in you speaking the Bible out loud. As you do, note what’s standing out. Look for the “shimmering words.” What does God seem to be highlighting?

Remember to light those two Advent candles, reminding your heart that Jesus is the peace of the world! Sing the song associated with this week. Learn the melody of God’s Word and sing along. We've included an audio file and lyric video below to assist you in your endeavors.