That the last week of Advent would be focused on peace is quite ironic since this week leading up to Christmas Day is anything but peaceful. With the last-minute shopping and wrapping of gifts, cooking for family, traveling, school Christmas performances, holiday parties, and more, each day is a whirlwind of busyness that leaves us exhausted and frazzled.

Things weren’t that different 2000 years ago with Joseph and Mary. While they obviously weren’t celebrating Christmas, their lives were turned upside down by the visit of the angel with the news that Mary would soon be having a baby and that baby conceived by the Holy Spirit was the long-awaited Messiah. What a shock this must have been!!!

This baby who was born to bring peace would upend the future plans of this young, engaged couple and throw their lives into chaos. For Joseph, the beautiful young girl who would soon be his wife was pregnant, and the baby wasn’t His!!! Would this bring scorn and shame on His family? Would they ever live a normal life? For Mary, she most likely wasn’t planning to be pregnant this quickly in the marriage. Now her life would be consumed with the duties of motherhood, and she would be caring for the son of God! Would they ever live a normal life?

As we enter into this final crazy chaotic week of Advent, let’s take time to slow down and experience a little of the peace that God offers through His son Jesus. Let’s take time to consider how the lives of Joseph and Mary were affected by being chosen by God for such an important undertaking as parenting the son of God, the Messiah.

Prayer Emphasis: As you enter into this final busy week of Advent, ask God to help you slow down this week and experience peace that Jesus came to bring to your heart.

For Family Discussion…
Think about your busy week ahead. How can you low down this week in order to experience more of the peace that God desires for your heart?