Updated for Advent 2026, which begins Sunday, November 29.
Following the Prince of Peace means becoming a peacemaker. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9, ESV). This Advent, peacemaking might look like a phone call, an apology, or patience with a difficult relative. Christ’s peace with us makes it possible. For the whole story, from Isaiah’s promise to the manger, see our Christmas story Bible study.
Key Verse
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14, ESV)
Reflection
When the angels sang of peace on earth, they were not only announcing peace between God and people. They were announcing a new kind of community. The Prince of Peace came to reconcile us to God and also to one another.
December has a way of exposing our broken relationships. Holiday gatherings bring together people with long histories, old wounds, and strong opinions. Social media fills with arguments. Even churches can feel tense. We sing about peace on earth while avoiding a sibling, a coworker, or a neighbor.
Jesus did not come merely to give us private, inner calm. He came to build a family. Paul later wrote that Christ himself is our peace, who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between groups who once despised each other. The cross that brings us near to God also brings us near to each other.
That is why Jesus called his followers to be peacemakers. In the Sermon on the Mount, he said peacemakers are blessed and will be called children of God. Notice he did not say peacekeepers, people who avoid conflict at any cost and pretend everything is fine. Peacemakers do the harder work of pursuing reconciliation: telling the truth in love, apologizing, forgiving, and seeking the good of the other person.
Peacemaking begins with receiving God’s peace ourselves. It is hard to offer what we have not received. When we know we have been forgiven much, we become more patient with others. When our security rests in God’s love, we are less threatened by disagreement. Peace with God becomes the soil in which peace with others can grow.
Peacemaking also requires humility. Often the first step toward peace is admitting our own part in a conflict, even if we think the other person is mostly to blame. It may mean listening before speaking, assuming the best, or letting go of the need to win.
Of course, peace is not always possible. Paul wrote that, as far as it depends on you, you should live peaceably with all. Sometimes the other person is unwilling, or the relationship is unsafe. In those cases, we can still release bitterness and pray for them, leaving the outcome to God.
This Advent, consider where the Prince of Peace might be calling you to make peace. A conversation you have avoided. A grudge you have nursed. A family member who needs a phone call. The angels sang of peace on earth. Part of how that song is fulfilled is through ordinary believers who choose to be peacemakers. Your small step toward reconciliation this week may be one of the ways heaven’s song is heard again on earth, around a dinner table, in an office, or in a family group chat.
Today, Try This
Think of one strained relationship in your life. Pray for that person by name, then take one small step toward peace: a kind message, an apology, or a decision to stop rehearsing the offense.
Reflection Question
Where might the Prince of Peace be calling you to be a peacemaker this Advent season?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are our peace. Thank you for breaking down walls between me and God, and between me and others. Make me a peacemaker. Give me humility to admit my part, courage to take the first step, and grace to forgive. Amen.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Advent devotionals
- Read today’s and past daily devotionals
- Go deeper: the birth of Jesus (Luke 2 study)
- Start here: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Devotional on Reconciliation (devotional)
- Related: Blessed Are the Peacemakers Devotional: Matthew 5:9
Keep Reading
- Prince of Peace Devotional: Luke 2:14 and Isaiah 9:6
- Advent Devotional for Peace: Luke 2:14
- Advent Hope Devotional: Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)
- More Devotionals
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a peacemaker?
A peacemaker actively works to reconcile people with God and with each other. In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says peacemakers are blessed and will be called God's children. Peacemaking is not avoiding conflict; it is pursuing restoration with humility and truth.
How is being a peacemaker connected to Christmas?
Christmas celebrates the Prince of Peace, who came to make peace between God and humanity. The angels announced that his birth brought peace to the earth (Luke 2:14). Those who receive that peace become carriers of it, so Christmas is a natural season to reconcile broken relationships.
What is one practical way to make peace this Advent?
One practical step is to reach out to someone you have a strained relationship with. Send a brief, humble message, apologize for your part, or simply ask how they are. Romans 12:18 asks us to do everything within our power to be at peace with others.