We’re closing in on 12 days until Christmas, and I’m guessing the whole idea of “peace” feels illusive at this point? Or maybe that’s just me.

Today my dear friend Kay Wyma is joining us on our Advent journey to discuss peace. How does Christmas bring us reminders of peace, especially in a world filled with discord and stress? (Hint: Peace isn’t the absence of conflict, but replacing it with something deeper and more significant.)

I especially appreciate Kay’s challenge to identify the root causes of our unrest, worries, or conflicts and intentionally incorporate gratitude into our daily lives. Gratitude becomes a powerful tool, a “control alt delete,” as Kay puts it, that helps us shift our perspective towards peace.

So, friends, as we journey through this Advent season together, let’s find ways to experience the promise of peace even today (as we’re shopping, baking, planning the ornament exchange, and figuring out what to wear to the company party). 

Discussion Questions:

1. Think of a time when you’ve felt most at peace in your life. What was or wasn’t going on that seemed to contribute to this peace? 
2. In what area today are you waiting for God to remove a conflict instead of seeking His peace in the midst of it? 
3. What’s one way you can incorporate gratitude into your life today to reframe your perspective towards peace? 
4. Who comes to mind when you think about someone living in peace despite their circumstances? How can you practically support them today?

All things Cynthia Yanof

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

The Peace Project by Kay Wyma