Candles of Advent: Peace

The theme of peace saturates the biblical narrative of Christmas. As you look at the second painting, entitled “Peace,” listen to these scriptures that describe the peace that Jesus came to bring on earth.

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Advent Painting Number 2: Peace

The theme of peace saturates the biblical narrative of Christmas. As you look at the second painting, entitled “Peace,” listen to these scriptures that describe the peace that Jesus came to bring on earth:

Long before Jesus was born, Isaiah prophesied:

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

When John the Baptist was born to prepare the way for Jesus’ arrival, his father Zechariah sang:

Luke 1:76-79
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

And when the angels appeared before a group of unassuming shepherds near Bethlehem, they declared:

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

Look even more closely at the painting and think about the scene that is portrayed. The Artist, Brian Bailey, had Psalm 4:8 in mind as he painted. Listen as he reflects on this piece:

[Brian] “So painting peace I wanted to portray the peace that comes with nighttime. The setting here is nighttime in Jerusalem. I like what psalms 4 says: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” and there’s this peace with nighttime where we’re all resting, which I wanted to replicate in the painting using the heavy body acrylic and the color choices with the reds and golds and blacks and blues, just really wanted to portray that peace.”

Is this experience of peaceful rest at night your experience–or is it something you’re longing, even praying for? Either way, take a moment to thank God for His constant protection in our lives.

Thank Jesus for coming to earth and making a way to have peace with God.

And where peace is lacking in your life, spend a moment articulating your cares, your conflicts and your anxieties to the Lord.

We thank you Jesus for offering us peace.

When you’re ready, move to the next painting and push play on the next episode.