Read Luke 2:8-14: 

In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!”

This morning, Christians around the world come to light the second candle of the Advent wreath.

This candle is traditionally symbolic of peace. This peace we are talking about is NOT the end of all trouble, warfare, and strife in the world. This peace is the peace we can have with God through Jesus Christ. Once we have trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are no longer separated from God by our sin; but instead, we have peace with God through His Son Jesus Christ. We thank God for sending His son, Jesus, into the world to pay the penalty for our sins on the cross and to conquer death through His Resurrection.

Response: Pray to God,  thanking Him for being given peace that goes beyond all understanding.