The peace of Jesus is a deep feeling that everything will be OK—no matter where we are or what we are doing.

If you’ve worked in ministry for any length of time, you’ve probably discovered that Advent season is the busiest time of year in the church. There are children’s events, parties, volunteer appreciation events, planning events, decorating times, outreach and service projects, extra services to plan and lead, musicals and caroling, and more!

It’s anything but peaceful.

The Peace of Jesus

Looking Back: Not So Peaceful

In fact, as I look back on some of my years in children’s ministry working in a church, I’m reminded of some very un-peaceful times …

Literal Fire

Once, I had a child’s hair catch fire from worshiping too close to the Advent candle—on stage, during the children’s ministry service! I was dancing my heart out on the stage with the kids when I heard, “Ms. Lynne! Ms. Lynne! Her hair is on fire!” and I turned and blew it out immediately.

You’d think I would learn to stay away from Advent candles after that … but a few years later, I was recording a video of myself leading an Advent devotional for families, and my own hair caught fire from the Advent candle—on video!

My whole church staff got a laugh watching me freak out and blow out my hair on the video.

Too Tired

I remember one Christmas when I served in all the Christmas Eve services and then my husband and I drove 9 hours all night long to get to my parents’ house for Christmas morning, and then promptly fell asleep and missed Christmas morning with the family.

Another year, we had flights booked for a family trip on Christmas morning because we couldn’t leave on Christmas Eve since I was serving in so many services. We overslept and rushed to the airport and missed our flight (we did get on a later flight!).

Ministry is sometimes busy and messy.

Anything But Peaceful

I remember another Christmas Eve when my family was moving houses and I missed Christmas Eve with my own kids while serving at church, leading children’s ministry, leading worship on the main stage, with strep. I felt so overwhelmed, and my heart was not filled with peace.

But I’ve learned something over the last few years. Ministry is sometimes busy and messy. Life can be overwhelming or stressful. But the peace from Jesus doesn’t come from a stress-free easy week or a whole evening curled up on the couch with a good book and a mug of tea and relaxing music.

True Peace Comes from God

True, deep peace from God transcends our circumstances and penetrates the depths of our hearts. The definition of peace in the Wonder Ink lesson: Peace, says: The peace of Jesus is a deep feeling that everything will be OK—no matter where we are or what we are doing. And the peace of Jesus never ends!

Isaiah said 700 years before Jesus’ birth that He would be called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

And when Jesus came to earth, He said to His followers, “I leave my peace with you,” Jesus told them. “I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does … do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

When we trust in Jesus, we too are offered the peace that never ends. His peace is with us even when a volunteer calls off or we get sick right before a big service, or an event doesn’t go as planned. When someone’s hair catches fire from an Advent candle (learn from me … use flameless candles!).

When the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, they praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

On Earth, Peace

Many people assume that means Jesus came to bring peace to earth. But Jesus didn’t promise there would be peace on earth (He said there would still be troubles!). He promised: on earth, peace.

Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”

Instead of peace on earth, the promise is … on earth, peace. The promise is that in the midst of stressful situations, grief, busyness, drama, and hardships, we can have peace because of Jesus. Jesus came to a sinful world that was anything but peaceful, and He died so that we can be saved and made new.

The promise is that in the midst of stressful situations, grief, busyness, drama, and hardships, we can have peace because of Jesus.

Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (emphasis added). Our problems may not go away, but that we can experience God’s true, unending peace that surpasses all understanding.

This Advent season, may you experience peace no matter what happens as you allow Jesus to be your peace.

Experience the Wonder of Advent

Download the Family Advent Reading Plan

Advent is a season of waiting for Jesus and preparing our hearts for Him. We don’t have to literally wait on Jesus—He is alive, and we can talk to Him anytime. But as we look forward to the thrill of Christmas, we want to get ready.

This guide will help the families in your ministry to take time and consider what it means that Jesus came to earth as Immanuel, God with us. 

Grab this reading plan for the families at your church and share encouragement this Christmas season.

Helpful Advent Articles

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Wonder Ink’s 3-year, 52-week children’s ministry curriculum offers kids space to fully find their place in God’s Big Story. Children discover they are Known by God, Loved by Jesus, and Led by the Holy Spirit.