READ: ISAIAH 9:6; LUKE 2:1-20; JOHN 14:27

“Peace on earth” is a common phrase on Christmas cards. Usually it’s accompanied by a picture of a dove or a nativity scene with Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in a manger. As I reached my older teen years, I felt like “peace on earth” was a ridiculous thing to say. After all, evil doesn’t stop because it’s the Christmas season. People still do evil things. Sickness and death take their toll. And for many people, getting ready for Christmas day generates anything but peace. Why would anybody say “peace on earth” during Christmastime?

The events leading up to Jesus’s birth weren’t calm either. The Romans ruled their vast empire with an iron fist, and the Jews were under severe oppression. But in the midst of all this, angels appeared to a group of shepherds one night, “praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:13-14).

The angels announced the birth of the Savior, and they talked about peace because Jesus would bring the peace everyone longs for. In Isaiah 9:6, we see that one of Jesus’s names is the “Prince of Peace.” That doesn’t mean He’ll take away all difficult situations immediately; in fact, He told us that we would face tough times. But it does mean He’ll give us peace in all circumstances. And one day, when Jesus returns, He will restore the heavens and the earth. Then all things will finally be at peace.

When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to pay the price for our sins, He paved the way for peace. When we put our trust in Jesus, peace enters our lives and fills our hearts. Peace on earth is possible through Jesus, and we can have it any time. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• Can you think of a time you’ve experienced God’s peace? What was that like? If you’ve never experienced His peace, or if it’s been a while since you have, consider taking a moment to talk to Him about it.

• We live in a broken world where we often feel anything but peaceful. Yet, as we wait for Jesus to return, we can rest knowing that He has promised to always be with us. He doesn’t scold us when we feel stressed or afraid. Instead, He has so much compassion on us, and He reminds us of His presence, His love, and His peace through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with when you feel unpeaceful? And how can you offer compassion and peace to others? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 16:33; Romans 5:1; 15:13; Philippians 4:4-9; Revelation 21:1-5.)

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)

READ: EPHESIANS 2:8-10; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31

My worth is not found in how many friends I have or how many likes I get

My worth is not found in my height, my weight, or how I look

My worth is not found in my successes, achievements, grades, or awards

My worth is not found in my GPA or how many hard classes I can pack into my schedule

My worth is not found in being the star athlete, star musician, star student

My worth is not found in doing more or being more

My worth is not found in what the world deems successful…

My worth is found in Jesus…in being chosen, loved, and made new. I am worthy because He made me worthy. Because of His death on the cross—because of the incredible grace, mercy, and forgiveness that He lavishes on me—He has made me worthy. Worthy of His love, worthy of forgiveness, worthy of an intimate relationship with Him, worthy of being His.

And I don’t need to earn it, try harder, do more, be more. He has done it all. He doesn’t need my efforts, my striving—He wants my heart. Every part.

Rather than trying to prove my worth or strive toward more, I can give Him what weighs me down and let Him carry me. I can give Him my efforts as an offering of love and worship to Him—not as a payment. I can find my true worth in Him. • Cara Campbell

• We all have times when it feels like our worth is dependent on what others think of us, what we look like, what we have or don’t have, what we do or don’t do, etc. What kinds of things do you find yourself placing your identity and worth in?

• Why is it so important that our true worth isn’t found in what we do but in what Jesus has done for us?

Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27 (CSB)

READ: ZEPHANIAH 3:17; JOHN 11:31-36; ROMANS 12:9-21

A young man sits in his home, weeping. His mourning song goes unanswered by all but the One who hears everything.

A knock on the door startles him. An older man, a fellow member of the Body of Christ, comes in the house and, without prompting, throws his arms around the young man and weeps. The young man freezes. Then, slowly, awkwardly, he places his arms around the old man. A few of his tears, freed by the tears of the old man, leak out of his eyes despite his best efforts.

Then another believer comes through the door, a young woman this time, and joins the huddle. A middle-aged man with his child come in and follow suit. Soon a dozen believers surround the young man, letting their grief flow freely.

The young man’s pain, freed by the pain of those around him, finally dislodges the lump in his throat, and tears stream down his face. He opens his eyes and, for a moment, sees the face of his Savior, wet with tears.

A young man sits in his home, laughing and singing. His joyful song goes unanswered by all but the One who hears everything.

A knock on the door startles him. An older man, a fellow member of the Body of Christ, comes in the house and, without prompting, throws his arms around the young man and laughs. The young man freezes. Then, slowly, awkwardly, he places his arms around the old man. A few chuckles, freed by the laughter of the old man, leak out of his mouth despite his best efforts.

Then another believer comes through the door, a young woman this time, and joins the huddle. A middle-aged man with his child come in and follow suit. Soon a dozen believers surround the young man, letting their joy flow freely.

The young man’s joy, freed by the joy of those around him, finally dislodges the lump in his throat, and his voice sings out loud. He opens his eyes and, for a moment, sees the face of his Savior, singing along. • Taylor Eising

• Everyone who knows Jesus is part of His family, the church. In the church, we are called to share our joys and sorrows with each other. How does this reflect what Jesus does for us?

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (CSB)