In the second week of Advent, we gather to light the Candle of Peace. This service will focus on the peace that Christ brings to our hearts and the world. Through scripture, prayer, and song, we will seek the tranquility that only God can provide in the midst of a chaotic world.

INTRO

Doesn’t it feel like our world is in chaos lately?

• South Korea declared martial law. And then undeclared it.

• The Prime Minister of France got kicked out.

• In Syrian, rebel forces have deposed their brutal dictator.

• Another one of Trump’s cabinet picks is under fire for allegations of drunkenness and sexual abuse.

If that wasn’t enough…

• A major healthcare CEO was assassinated in broad daylight.

• China attacked the U.S. with one of the largest intelligence hacks in our history.

• A tsunami warning was issued for the coast of California. Surf’s up, brah!

And that was just this week!

PEACE

Chaos is everyone, and peace seems to be in short supply. That’s why we need Advent now more than ever.

This week, we focus on peace in this life of waiting—be it for Christmas and for Jesus’ eventual return.

In Isaiah 11, we see a vision of a king that brings peace. In this prophecy written over 2,500 years ago, we see three things:

1. The Source of Peace

2. The Justice of Peace

3. The Picture of Peace

THE SOURCE OF PEACE

Let’s talk about the source of peace. Isaiah 11 begins like this:

1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.

Three things you need to know to understand this verse:

1. Jesse is King David’s father.

2. The promised Messiah would come from the line of David.

3. God promised that a descendant from the line of David would rule forever.

Jesus is that small branch that will grow from the cut-off family tree of Jesse. This growth out of the “stump of Jesse” symbolizes hope from brokenness, and that comes in Jesus.

Here’s verse 2:

2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

Jesus, the King from the line of David will be a Spirit-filled king who embodies wisdom, understanding, strength, and righteousness.

Jesus is the ultimate source of peace for our lives and the world, even in the midst of chaos. So, let me ask you: Where do you need to trust Jesus as the source of peace in your life today? Is it in your family or at work? Politics or world events? Maybe it’s your inner world of anger, jealousy, lust, denial?

Take a minute to pray, inviting the peace of Jesus into one area of your life that feels chaotic.

The Justice of Peace

Now that’s talk about the justice of peace. Verses 3 says of this King of Peace:

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;

Immediately, we’re told that this king Jesus won’t be like us. We judge by what we know and hear. We’re influenced by bias. We jump to conclusions. We prefer things that benefit us.

But Jesus is different. Verses 4-5 continue:

4 But with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

Jesus’ peace is built on justice and righteousness, not power, preference, and appearance. That’s how we judge.

Also, notice Jesus’ care and attention given to the poor and needy, lifting up those the world often overlooks. That’s why we have a toy drive right now and we’ll be making cards for the elderly after service. Because Jesus, the King of Peace and Justice cares for the marginalized.

Let me ask you: How can you live out God’s justice in your family, workplace, or community?

Take a minute to pray, asking God to reveal a way you’ve been acting unjustly lately, and ask his forgiveness for that.

The Picture of Peace

We’ve seen the source of peace—Jesus. We’ve seen his justice of peace: He offers a new way to rule with justice, righteousness, and care for the marginalized. Now, we look at a picture of peace.

Verses 6-9 present a metaphor for what peace looks like under the rule and reign of King Jesus.

6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

Wolves and lambs, leopards and goats, cows and bears. Predator and prey, wild and domestic—all at peace. And a child leading them.

None of this makes sense to us. But this is the peace Jesus will bring when his kingdom is fully realized—a world of harmony, safety, and restoration.

Right now, the kingdom of God is already here; Jesus initiated it. But it’s also not yet fully here, not until He returns. And that is what we wait for during Advent.

Let me ask you: How can you be an agent of peace now, bringing glimpses of God’s kingdom into the world?

Take a minute to pray, asking God to show you how you can bring more peace into your family this week.

Conclusion

We began by looking at the chaos all around us—chaos in the world, in our relationships, and even in our own hearts. But today, through Isaiah’s vision, we’ve been reminded of a greater truth: Jesus is the King of Peace.

But here’s the good news: the peace of Jesus isn’t just a future promise—it’s available to you right now. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

So, here’s my challenge for you this week:

• Trust Jesus as the source of your peace in the chaos.

• Live out His justice in how you treat others.

• Be an agent of His peace in all your relationships.

Let’s close with this prayer I’m gonna put up on the screen:

Prince of Peace, I invite you to reign in my heart today. Bring your peace to the chaos of my life and empower me to reflect your harmony in the world around us. As I wait for the fullness of your kingdom, help me to walk as a peacemaker, trusting in your power to make all things new. In your holy name, Amen.

And as you go, remember this: The peace of Jesus is not dependent on the chaos around you—it is rooted in the unshakable promise of who He is. Let that peace guide you this week. Amen.