Advent 1, Peace
Our first week of Advent is here! This week we’re talking about the biblical theme of Peace. There is a great announcement that God gave the world through the prophet Isaiah: that God would bring an eternal peace to the world (Isaiah 9:7). This peace took form when God took on flesh and came to dwell with his creation. Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, is our hope for peace! Consider Kinkade’s painting below. In what ways does it communicate “a Prayer for Peace” to you?
A Prayer for Peace - Thomas Kinkade
Anchor Texts:
Isaiah 9:1-7 ESVUK - For to Us a Child Is Born
Questions to Ponder:
Look at Isaiah 9:2. Darkness and Light are metaphors - can you put into your words what you think the “darkness” and “light” are here?
Our “gloom” in Canada takes on many different forms - what types of “gloom” do you see overshadowing people in our area the most?
Read Psalm 14 or 53 and ook at verse 4 - what does it mean in our culture for us to “devour people like bread?”
Look at the four names of the promised son in Isaiah 9:6. How does Jesus fit each of these prophetic names?
Pray for the people living in the “gloom” that you explored in question 2!
The Theme in Song:
For all of you who know the Chorus of Handel’s Messiah best, first watch this video. This is the part that comes right before it, the themes of darkness and the shining of the light are beauitfully portrayed.
I’ve included the lyrics (Scripture verses) to help you follow.
10. Accompagnato (bass) – “For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 60, vv.2–3)
11. Air (bass) – “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” (Isaiah 9, v.2)
Of course, if you just can’t stand not hearing the famous chorus, here it is with the lyrics.
12. Chorus – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9, v.6)