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Deborah Goshorn-Stenger

Peace, Advent’s Tranquility

Week 3—Sunday, 11 December 2022


Jeeper-Joy enjoying the peace and lights of Christmas
Jeeper-Joy enjoying the peace and lights of Christmas

Quick recap: Advent, means the “arrival or coming” of something or someone, that is “especially important.” It is the time on our calendars that marks the four Sundays prior to Christmas. It is the celebration leading up to the arrival of the Baby Jesus; but it also symbolically, looks ahead to the second coming of Christ.


Germany introduced the custom of using the Advent Wreath and the lighting of candles, which many churches have adopted as part of this celebration.


Peace, is the characteristic that is highlighted for Week 3 of Advent. It means to have a sense of calmness, tranquility. Jeepers displayed it, as she sought a quiet moment under the tree, to enjoy the lights. I love this blessing from Psalm 29:11 “The Lord gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace (GNT).”


In our home—light, began at the ceiling, to touch the tree. It danced ‘round and ‘round, until it glistened from Jeepers’ eyes. The Star of Bethlehem shone o’er the manger onto Jesus, Who was the Light of the World. His indwelling Spirit places a glow in us that illumines not just our souls, but serves as a lantern unto our path, and reflects God’s love and peace to those around us.


The Moravian Star,

Glowed above the tree.

Lights, will soon dance,

Twinkling, as if with glee.

Jeepers, sits ‘neath the limbs,

With bright, shining eyes,

As if she knows that the season,

Is for the seeking, the wise.

Do you behold the Holy Star of Bethlehem?

Do you search for the Light of the World?

Do you seek,

As the Wisemen, did ...

The Messiah, the Babe, King, Priceless Pearl?

Oh God,

As gifts circle the evergreen,

May we be reminded,

Of the manger scene.

For Your humble birth,

Your very entrance into earth ...

Was the illumination;

It was the proclamation,

The Star of Heaven,

Shines forevermore.

May the ember of hope,

Be like a lantern of peace,

Touching everywhere,

That we go,

To be released.

For when we sit,

Or when we rise,

Sleep or wake,

To open our eyes,

May You be the light,

Within our souls.


“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.’ … When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.”

Matthew 2:1-2, 10-12 NLT


The Moravian Star was made to be a representation of the Star of Bethlehem. Both the candles which were originally used on Christmas trees, and the electric lights that we now use today—draw our eye upward. Our Light came as a holy Babe wrapped in humanity—to point us to the love and gift—Jesus, Our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).


A Purr of Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to earth to give us peace, and for reaching out to one and all. Thank You for being born with the purpose of being our sacrificial Lamb and for rising again as the King of Kings to reign forevermore. You came so that we can be nestled in Your hand, in Your care, for all eternity. I’m willingly making room for You in my heart, to be my Lord and Savior. Amen.


Want more Peace? (Happy Meowy Christmas contains a 2-page spread for Advent--complete with verses for each week for meditations with the Lord)!


2 Pause and Praise Creations ©

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