Advent Week 2: Finding Peace in a Not-So-Peaceful Season

Author: Rev. Daniel Johnson
December 11, 2025

 

Hello Church Family,

This past Sunday, we talked about something every one of us is craving right now—peace. Not the temporary, “things finally calmed down” kind of peace, but the kind that sits steady in your soul even when life feels anything but steady.

As we leaned into the second week of Advent, we remembered that Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas. It’s a season that reminds us we live between two arrivals of Jesus—His coming in Bethlehem and His coming again in glory. And right in the middle of that tension, Isaiah speaks a promise into the chaos: a Child is coming… and He will be called the Prince of Peace. 

What struck me—and what I shared Sunday—is that Isaiah didn’t announce that promise during a peaceful moment. He spoke it into darkness, fear, political turmoil, and spiritual drift. In other words… times not so different from our own.

And then we walked through those four meaningful titles Isaiah gives Jesus:

• Wonderful Counselor — the One who gives miraculous wisdom when life feels unclear

• Mighty God — the Warrior-King who fights battles we cannot

• Everlasting Father — the steady, faithful presence we long for

• Prince of Peace — the One whose reign brings real and lasting peace

Each name speaks directly to the places where our world—and our hearts—feel unsettled.

We also acknowledged something honest: peace can feel hard to find. We believe in it. We’ve tasted it. But it slips through our hands so easily. And that’s because so much of what the world offers at Christmas are shadows of peace—not the substance.

But the substance is Christ.

Peace doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances. Peace comes when Jesus is present.

And the more we surrender to Him, the more His peace becomes the anchor of our soul.

So if your heart feels restless this week, let this simple prayer rise again:

“Jesus, rule here—right in the places where I feel the least peace.”

Because where Christ rules, peace grows.

Coming Up

We have a beautiful and meaningful stretch of events ahead, and we’d love for you, your family, and your friends to be a part of it:

Christmas Market & Tree Lighting
This Saturday, December 13th | 10 AM – 5 PM
A fun community day filled with local vendors, treats, music, and the lighting of our Christmas tree.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24th | 6 PM
One of the most special gatherings of the year—a warm, reverent night of worship and reflection.

Christmas Day Service
December 25th | 10 AM
Start your Christmas morning centered on Christ with a simple, joy-filled service.

New Year’s Eve Service
December 31st | 10 PM – Midnight
We’ll close out 2025 and welcome the new year with worship, prayer, and thanksgiving.

 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
January 1st – 21st
We’re inviting our whole church to begin the year seeking God together. We’ll be walking through this devotional together:
https://a.co/d/htzdUFo Be sure to order a copy now.

Let’s enter this season—and the new year—with expectation, unity, and peace.

Finally — A Quick Word About Our Building Fund

On Sunday, I shared a very pressing need we’re facing as a church family: our HVAC system is in real need of repair. After 18 years of faithful service—18 years of worship, baptisms, celebrations, tears, laughter, and transformation—our building now needs some intentional care.

We have been blessed with an amazing space that has served us well. Now it’s our turn to reinvest in it so it can continue serving the next generation of ministry God has entrusted to us.
I’m asking you to prayerfully consider how the Lord would have you give. Any amount contributed to our Building Fund will go directly toward these necessary repairs.

In addition to the one-time gifts that will come in, we are believing God for 200 individuals or families who will commit to giving a one-time gift of $1,200 or $100 per month for the next 12 months. Reaching this goal will allow us to raise $250,000, all of which will be invested into the ongoing maintenance and repair needs of the church.

If you’re willing to be one of the 200, simply respond to this email and let me know. The easiest way to fulfill that commitment is by setting up monthly recurring giving through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/g/gracepointgospel?src=hpp For these gifts please use the “Building Fund” category.

Thank you for loving our church, investing in its future, and believing—along with me—that God will supply every need as we honor Him together.

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