Advent: Becoming Peace
Isaiah 9:2–7, Luke 1:76–79
Eric Henderson, Green Lake Lead Pastor
Jesus’ peace is greater than our earthly notions of peace as a quiet moment to ourselves or nations not engaged in war. Rather, the peace of Christ we are invited to become is a life-altering, category-busting way of being that, indeed, surpasses understanding. Today in our text, we will look at three ways we become peace:
I. Receiving peace
II. Being led in the path of peace
III. Passing the peace
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
Begin by reading Isaiah 9:2–7 and Luke 1:76–79 aloud, taking turns reading the passages.
Pray over the group before beginning discussion.
Advent reminds us of the constant human condition of waiting. What do you find yourself waiting for today?
Do you ever try to find peace for yourself outside of the peace that only Jesus can bring?
Pastor Eric said, “Receiving peace means bringing our vulnerability and need, rather than our strength and self sufficiency.” Where have you been relying on your strength and self-sufficiency where God may be calling you to lean into vulnerability and need?
How are you struggling today with coming to terms with God doing things differently than you would choose?
Pastor Eric pointed out that in Acts, the spirit typically led the disciples to go where they didn’t want to go and interact with those whom they did not want to interact. Is there an area where God might be leading you to be a peacemaker by interacting with someone you’d prefer not to interact with?
Pastor Eric said that “passing the peace” is a way of saying, “I see you, I need you, I’m for you. I want the best for you. I can’t do it alone, you shouldn’t do it alone.” How can you participate in “passing the peace” to those you know or don’t know this week?