Advent Four - The Light of Peace Comes to Us

Week Four 
December 21 - 27, 2025 

Sunday

The Light of Peace Comes to Us

  

This is the final week of Advent. 

The Light of Peace, because the Prince of Peace is Born!

"For unto us a Child is born, 

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Councelor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice,

From that time forward, even forever.

Isaiah 9: 6, 7 NKJ

This week we see in Matthew and Luke the glory of the coming of the Infant King. Light four candles this week and enjoy with your family.
 

Monday

Mary and Joseph Travel

 Luke 2:1-7

Even though Mary was pregnant and near the time of birth; her and Joseph were required by Caesar to traveled to Bethlehem for the Roman census. Joseph was a descendant of King David; therefore he had to register in Bethlehem, the city of David. The Emperor of Rome required the census for the purpose of tax collection. Oddly he inadvertently obeyed God by requiring the census. How so? You see, over 700 years earlier, the prophet Micah foretold that though Bethlehem was small, a great ruler would come.

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. 

Yet a ruler of Israel... will come from you on my behalf..." 

Micah 5:2 NLT 

Because the Emperor required the census, Jesus was born in Bethlehem as prophesied instead of Nazareth. Read more

Also, the Magi found Jesus, the King of the Jews in Bethlehem, by first inquiring in Jerusalem. The priests sited the scripture above.

Tuesday

God's Great Love for Us 

Reading: John 3:16-21, Ephesians 3:14-21

Some years back a precious little grandson was born into our family. We all loved to hold him, this precious gift from God and look into his bright face with wonder, and consider who will he be. What is God's purposed in his life?  How will his life affect our family and the world around him?

 

Birth of Christ by Carl Bloch

 

I wonder if the first day of Jesus life, Mary held Him and looked into His brilliant face and wondered what He would be like? How would God's purpose would play out in His life? How it would affect her and Joseph? What He would mean for the entire world? 

"Mary kept all these things 
and pondered them in her heart."  
Luke 2:19 NKJ

Could she have known that God's plan for humanity would pierce her own heart? Probably not yet, though Simeon would tell her in eight days. Could anyone have understood how God's plan would pierce His Own Heart? God, the Father knew from eternity past what it would take to rescue human kind. He foretold this in the life of Abraham. How must Abraham have felt when God said:

"Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, and... 
offer him as a burnt offering".
Genesis 22:2 NKJ

 

This verse foretells God the Father's plan and the pain it would cause Him.. Somehow, the suffering of humanity was an even a greater pain. It reveals the extent of His profound deep love for us. We are His Creation. He formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being. Gen. 2:7, We are His workmanship, His masterpiece, His work of art, lovingly crafted by Him. Eph. 2:10

 

 On Saturday, December 6th, we looked at David's question to God. To paraphrase: In light of Your majesty, Who are we that You would even think about us, let alone care? Look how God answered that question, by sending His Son, His one and only, beloved Son, knowing full well His Son would be killed by the people He created. In fact that was the plan, that He would provide once and for all people, a perfect sacrificial lamb to atone for our sins.

 

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son,  
 that whoever believes in Him  
shall not perish but have eternal life."  
John 3:16 NIV

 

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,  according to His power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:17-21 NIV

 

Wednesday 

Glory in the Highest

Luke 2:8-20

Today just enjoy this beautiful portion of scripture, with family and friends, even though we read them previously. A section of today's reading was even recited on "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Charlie was feeling down because everything about Christmas seemed empty and commercial. He was looking for the real meaning of Christmas. Perhaps after weeks of shopping, eating and parties you feel the same way and will rejoice in the simple meaning of the profound gift we received from God, our Savior Jesus Christ.

"Now there were shepherds living out in the fields,keeping watch over their flock by night.And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

The the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.'

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace ,goodwill toward men!' So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another,

'Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger..."

Luke 2:8-16 NKJ

Order a print of Birth of the King by Michael Dudash

Tomorrow we will see the Prince of Peace is Born.

 

Week Three - The Light of Joy Breaks Through

Week Three
December 14-21, 2025

The Light of Joy Breaks Through

We began this Advent Journey two weeks ago with the theme of the week -  The Light of Hope Shines in the Darkness. The key verse from Isaiah describes the darkness of human plight contrasted with the prophecy of hope that a great light will come. About 700 years later the Light of Joy Broke Through! That light is Jesus Christ. That first week we examined the darkness that came into the world through Adam and Eve's sin. Then we looked at the prophecies of the coming hope, a Son of promise and a Son to be a King - Jesus Christ. In the following week - The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggles, we looked into the lives of Zacharias and Mary. Each had an angelic visit with a seemingly impossible message to believe. Yes, they and their family around them, especially Joseph and Mary's parents must have struggled in their faith to believe that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. How could such a thing happen? And Mary, what a struggle for her! This is portrayed with excellence in the Nativity movie.

This week, ... we see the joy surrounding the coming of Jesus. We look at  Jesus in Matthew, Luke and John; as well as prophecies in Isaiah tied in with the Nativity Story. This week light three candles.

Sunday   
An Angel Visits Joseph 

Angel Visits Joseph - Tissot

Matt 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:14, Col. 1:15, John 1:1-3

Not only was Zacharias' and Mary's faith challenged; so was Joseph's. How could he believe that his fiance got pregnant by the Holy Spirit? So unlikely, until an angel appeared to him as well. Beyond that miracle though is prophecy of who Jesus is and His mission.
Read More

Monday 
Genealogy of Jesus 
Matt 1:18-25, Hebrews 2:17, 18 4:15

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

This about the people in Jesus' ancestral line. So many interesting people. There are fathers and sons listed in this genealogy record. Some of the names are a little difficult to pronounce; but each one represents a person and a life lived. More importantly, these were the people God chose to bring forth His son. They must have been pretty amazing people, right? Many of them were people of strong faith, devotion toward God and humility. But they were also people, like you and I... capable of mistakes and sin... lying and deceiving... and in some cases, really big sins... like adultery, prostitution, and murder. Why would God allow His Son to come from such sinful people? In speaking of God's Son, the author of Hebrews says:
Read More

Tuesday 
Joy to the World 
Luke 2:1-7

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive Her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room."

There was no room for them in the Inn. So He, the King of all heaven and earth was born in a stable to simple peasants. Through the ages since His Coming, millions have prepared room for Him in their hearts across the face of the earth.
Read More

Wednesday 
Simeon See’s God’s Salvation 

Simeons Moment

Luke 2:21-38

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation

Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples,

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel."

Luke 2:30-32

Enjoy your reading today in this rich passage. I hardly know what to emphasize, there are so many wonderful things here. Read More

Friday 
Light of the World 
Luke 2:30-32, John 1:4-13, 8:12, fulfills Isaiah 9:2

Simeon said as he blessed baby Jesus:  

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation 

Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, 

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, 

And the glory of Your people Israel."  

Luke 2:30-32

Today we will look at Jesus as a grown man and as the light prophesied by Simeon. The Apostle John says of Jesus: Read More


Saturday 
The Brightness of His Glory 

Luke 2:30-32, Heb 1:1-3, 2Cor 4:6,7, 3:18

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and

the exact representation of His being,

sustaining all things by His powerful word.

Read More

This concludes Week 3 of our Advent Readings.

The Light of Joy Breaks Through. 

Now we move to the fourth and final week of Advent.

The Light of Peace, the Prince of Peace is Born 

Yes, The Light of Peace, because the Prince of Peace is Born!

Advent Week - Two

The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle

 

Sunday December 7, through December 13, 2025 

 

This week we look into the book of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible and explore the challenges of faith brought about by announcements of an angel to Zacharias and Mary. Each of these people were average everyday people; who experienced something extraordinary! They became integral parts of the story of the Coming of Christ as a baby and foretelling His ministry as a man. Let's take a look into their lives. Light your second candle this week.  For these readings we will call it The Light of Faith.

Sunday
John’s Birth Announced to Zacharias
Luke 1:1-25

Zacharias and Gabriel - Tissot

As you read Luke 1:1-25 consider the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth. They had no children because she was barren and now they were getting old. The dream of having a child had long faded away leaving traces of sorrow for what could have been. See through the eyes of Zacharias' as he walks into the temple, perhaps the air is heavy with the scent of frankincense and light is filtering through the haze. There is a sense of holiness and the glory of God is thick. Then something extraordinary happened, something that would rock his faith to the core.  Experience the awe of this amazing story. 

Read More

Monday
Gabriel Announces Christ to be Born of Mary 
Luke 1:26-38

Annunciation - Rosetti

Mary was a humble young woman, born to a peasant family who lived in difficult times. Imagine as you read, being Mary, just a teen and being visited by the angel Gabriel. She must have been frightened. When Gabriel see's her concern and says: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God". 

 
But how confusing for her to hear she will give birth to a son. "How can this be since I do not know a man?" She must have wondered what Joseph and her parents would think. What would happen to her, to be pregnant without a husband during that time in Israel? Read More

 

Tuesday
God’s Answer to David 
Luke 1:31-33, 2Samuel 7:12-22

In Luke 1:31-33, Gabriel told Mary,

"... you will conceive... and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. He will be Great and called Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David... and of His Kingdom there will be no end."

These verses fulfill a promise made to King David in 2Samuel 7:11-14. How does this apply to Advent, the Promise of the Coming of Christ? Does it tell us who he is? Read More

 

 

 

Wednesday
Mary Visits Elizabeth 
Luke 1:39-45

Today's reading is a favorite for women every where, especially those who are moms and enjoyed the wonder of carrying a new life. My favorite verse is:

'At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her, 

and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary,

"God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 

Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 

When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 

You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said."' 

Luke 1:41

Read More

 

Thursday
Mary’s Song of Praise 
Luke 1:46-56

Yesterday we saw what Elizabeth spoke to Mary. Here is Mary's reply:

James Tissot - Brooklyn Museum

"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!...
For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and
from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is Holy
and He has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from
generation to generation to all who fear Him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
Luke 1:46-55

Read More

Friday
The Birth of John 
Luke 1:57-66

The Visitation- Tissot, Brooklyn Museum

Elizabeth delivered her son and they named him John, meaning, "The Lord has shown favor".  Her neighbors and relatives rejoiced at the great mercy the Lord had shown her!
Joy emanates from God's favor and grace.

The neighbors of Zacharias and Elizabeth witnessed the miraculous work of God and marveled. Zacharias could then speak again for the first time since the visit of Gabriel. Then fear came over the people. They kept these sayings in their hearts, acknowledging that the Lord is with John and wondered what kind of child he will be.

Fear (Phobeo):frightening fearful sight...to be in awe of, revere... reverence.

What does it mean to fear God? Read More

Saturday
Zacharias’ Prophecy for His Little Son 
Luke 1:67-80

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, praised God for His faithfulness to keep His promises to His people.  He spoke a prophecy over his John, and Messiah saying,

"And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.

Because of God's tender mercy,

  the morning light from heaven
is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace."
Luke 1:76-79 NLT

Read More

This concludes Week 2 of our Advent Readings. 

The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle. 

You can see it in all of the lives touched deeply in the Promise and Coming of the King, Jesus Christ. Tomorrow begins Week 3, titled:

The Light of Joy Breaks Through