THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 5TH DECEMBER 2025, FRIDAY MESSAGE
“Peace be with You.”
Charleen Burghardt (Texas, USA)
Today’s Reading
John 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together . . . Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” – John 20:19 (NIV)
Recently, a school shooting took place near my city. For days, headlines about the loss of lives and the hurting families saturated the news. Preoccupied with thoughts of the victims and their loved ones, as a chaplain I wanted to help. I earnestly prayed for those affected by the attack and then drove to the town to offer pastoral care to the hospital staff who treated the children. I listened with empathy to the nurses’ heart-wrenching stories and prayed with them. I returned home in shock and disbelief.
My usual sense of well-being became unsteady; I felt vulnerable and fearful. Questions filled my mind, and sleep eluded me. As I lay waiting for sleep to come, I remembered another incident of violence: the Crucifixion. In response, the confused and grieving disciples hid behind closed doors. They were rocked by what they had witnessed, and the future appeared full of unknowns. Then Jesus entered the locked room and stood among them, saying, “Peace be with you.” The risen Son of God came, bringing reassurance in their turmoil and the gift of divine presence.
That restless night, I whispered the words of Jesus, “Peace be with you.” A calm came over me. That moment became sacred in Christ’s presence.
Thought for the Day
In the midst of turmoil, God gives me the gift of divine presence.
Prayer Focus
Victims of gun violence
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More from Charleen Burghardt
Today’s Prayer
Come, Lord Jesus, enter our fearful places. Bring the peace and comfort of your presence. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 5th December 2025 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More