December 1, 2025
Psalm 122 is a song of ascent—words sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, the city of peace. As they approach the temple, they pray not only for their own joy but for peace within the city’s walls. Advent peace, in this psalm, isn’t just the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of wholeness, safety, and unity under God’s reign. To pray for peace within the walls means to desire harmony in our homes, churches, and communities, trusting that God’s peace begins where His people dwell in love.
Devotional:
There’s something about walking into a place where peace lives—you can feel it before anyone says a word. The air seems lighter. Hearts seem softer. That’s what the pilgrims must have felt as they approached Jerusalem, singing this psalm. “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” They weren’t just going to a building—they were moving toward the center of God’s promise, a place meant to reflect His peace.
But even Jerusalem, the “city of peace,” wasn’t always peaceful. The psalm’s plea for peace within her walls is an acknowledgment that peace must be prayed for, pursued, and protected. Advent invites us to do the same. It’s not enough to wish for a peaceful world; we have to become people of peace where we are.
The peace the psalmist describes isn’t the fragile kind that depends on good circumstances—it’s shalom, the Hebrew word for complete well-being. It’s the kind of peace that reaches into relationships, attitudes, and communities and says, “Let God’s goodness dwell here.” When we pray for peace within the walls of our homes, our churches, or even our hearts, we’re inviting God to rule there.
Advent reminds us that Jesus came to bring this peace—not by force, but by love. He broke down dividing walls between people and God, and between one another. Yet the call continues for us to live into that peace daily. Maybe that looks like reaching out to someone you’ve been avoiding, or softening a harsh word before it’s spoken. Maybe it’s pausing to pray instead of reacting in anger.
The psalm ends with a blessing: “For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’” What a beautiful Advent prayer to speak over others. When you choose peace, you’re not only reflecting God’s light—you’re helping build His kingdom right here, one heart at a time.
So, this week, let your prayers reach beyond yourself. Pray for peace in your church, in your community, and in every place that feels divided. Let peace begin within your own walls—and then let it spread.
Action:
Pray intentionally for peace within one relationship, home, or group this week. Then take one small step to help bring that peace to life.
Prayer:
God of peace, teach me to be a peacemaker in the places I live and serve. Heal what is broken in my relationships and community. Let Your shalom dwell within our walls so Your love may overflow to all. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thought for the Day:
Peace begins within the walls of our own hearts before it can fill the world around us.
Cheryl is on vacation so no sermon this week. This week, our hearts turn toward that first flicker of Advent hope. These devotionals invite us to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and remember that God still breaks into ordinary days with quiet mercy. The world may rush around us, but Advent asks us to look for the small signs of God’s nearness, the gentle ways He prepares our hearts before we ever notice. Each day this week points us back to the promise that Christ comes not only once in Bethlehem, but again and again into lives that feel worn, waiting, or ready for renewal. My prayer is that these readings draw you close to the One who comes with light in His hands and love that won’t let go.
