December 8, 2025 

Psalm 85:8–13 paints a vision of divine reconciliation where heaven and earth meet in harmony. “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” The psalmist reminds Israel that God’s salvation is near to those who revere Him and that His glory dwells in the land when hearts return to obedience. Advent preparation is more than waiting for peace—it’s living in ways that make peace possible. True peace flows from righteousness, the right ordering of life under God’s rule.

Devotional:

The psalmist begins not with demands but with listening: “I will listen to what God the Lord says.” That’s where peace always begins—in listening. The world is loud with opinions, arguments, and noise, but the quiet voice of God still speaks. Advent invites us to tune our hearts again to that voice. It calls us to repentance not as punishment but as alignment—to be set right again with God so that peace can find its footing in us.

Psalm 85 is written by a people who’ve known both exile and return. They’ve seen the consequences of straying from God’s path and the mercy that follows repentance. Now they pray for restoration—not just of their nation, but of their relationship with God. And God answers with a promise so beautiful it almost takes your breath: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”

This verse captures the heart of Advent preparation. We can’t have peace without righteousness, nor righteousness without peace. They belong together—justice rooted in mercy, truth bound in compassion. The imagery of a kiss reminds us that these aren’t abstract ideals; they are intimate, relational realities. When we make peace with God, we begin to live as instruments of His peace in the world.

But peace doesn’t fall from the sky; it grows in the soil of righteousness. That means we must examine the paths we walk. Are we sowing discord or reconciliation? Are we quick to speak judgment but slow to offer grace? Advent repentance calls us to uproot what poisons peace—resentment, prejudice, pride—and plant instead faithfulness, humility, and kindness.

The psalmist’s vision ends with the earth yielding its harvest and righteousness going before God, preparing the way for His steps. That’s the goal of every Advent heart—to become ground where peace and righteousness can dwell together.

The wilderness may feel barren, but it’s exactly the place where peace can take root. As we clear the way, heaven bends low and kisses the earth once again.

Action:

Ask God to show you one area where your actions or attitudes need to align more closely with His peace. Make one concrete step toward restoration today.

Prayer:

God of peace and righteousness, teach me to listen for Your voice amid the noise. Let my heart be a place where Your love and faithfulness meet, where righteousness and peace embrace. Shape my life so that Your presence can dwell within me and bless those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thought for the Day:

Peace is born where righteousness takes root.