The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Peace on Earth, Peace Through Justice
“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” — Psalm 85:10
Introduction
December 10 has become a day woven with the threads of justice, human dignity, and the longing for peace. On this day in 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, affirming that all people bear God-given worth. It is also the annual date of many Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies—moments when the world pauses to recognize courage, reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace. As we journey through Advent, with its promise of Christ the Prince of Peace, this day invites us to remember that true peace cannot exist without righteousness and justice.
Reflection
The psalmist paints a beautiful picture: righteousness and peace coming together like old friends embracing. It is a vision where God’s justice and mercy coexist in perfect harmony.
Think of a road construction crew out on a dusty highway. Before they can lay smooth pavement, they have to level the ground—clear the debris, fill in the holes, and correct the uneven places. Only then can a road be strong enough to carry others safely. Peace works the same way. It is not simply the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice—of pathways made straight, of wrongs made right.
As we remember figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Theodore Roosevelt, Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat, and Nelson Mandela—leaders who worked to repair what was broken—we see glimpses of this biblical truth. Their efforts remind us that peace involves hard, holy work: speaking truth, seeking reconciliation, and honoring the image of God in every person.
Application
Today, ask God to show you one place where you can be a peace-bringer. It may be a fractured relationship, an unsettled conversation, a place of injustice in your community, or even an area of your own heart that needs healing. Advent calls us to prepare the way for Christ not only with candles and carols but with acts of justice, compassion, and integrity. Let righteousness and peace “kiss” in your daily actions.
Conclusion
On this December 10—a day shaped by visions of human dignity, peace, and freedom—we remember that Christ came to bring a kingdom where justice and mercy dwell together. Advent peace is not passive; it is active, courageous, and rooted in God’s steadfast love. As you move through your day, may the Prince of Peace guide your steps into the kind of harmony the psalmist foretold.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, on this day when the world turns its attention to justice and human dignity, turn my heart toward the things that make for peace. Let righteousness guide my thoughts, compassion season my words, and courage strengthen my actions. Teach me to recognize Your image in every person I encounter and to work faithfully toward healing where there is brokenness. As I walk through this Advent season, prepare my heart to welcome You anew with a spirit shaped by justice, mercy, and steadfast love. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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