"Christmas Peace"

Advent 2023 • Sermon • Submitted 6 months ago • Presented 6 months ago

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The second theme of the Advent season is peace. A quick glance around will remind us that we live in a far from perfect world.

Notes

Transcript

The New International Version Chapter 2

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Introduction: The second theme of the Advent season is peace. Have you ever wondered what peace would look like? We struggle with the uncertainty of tomorrow and the turmoil going on in the world around us. World news brings few positive reports, if any. We wonder if “peace on earth” is even a possibility. How could this five letter word have so much to say to us about our God who loves us in-spite of our inability to totally understand and be instrumental in establishing peace throughout the world in which we live.? Christmas is a time to celebrate our faith and love with family and friends. We gather to enjoy holiday meals and sing carols; celebrate Christmas tree lightings; watch the joy of children eagerly waiting to open their gifts. But for some of us, the holiday brings up continued conflicts and differences with others. It’s no different in the life of believers that we struggle to find that perfect arena where peace reside and the value of peace is our motivation for living according to God’s plan.

What is Christmas peace?

A quick glance around will remind us that we live in a far from perfect world. In our own lives, we struggle to find peace with ourselves. We regret past mistakes, struggle with our present weaknesses, and worry about the future. We try to “find ourselves” in different ways and search for our purpose in life through relationships, work, leisure, and other meaningful pursuits. God revealed himself to people through the person of Jesus. Jesus came to earth in a peaceful way as a baby in a humble circumstance of a manger and proceeded to live a humble life. Jesus came to restore our broken relationship with God so that we could first experience wholeness and peace with ourselves, and then extend it to others around us. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, was sent into the world to take away our sins by His death on the cross, therefore making it possible for us to be at peace—at peace with God, at peace within ourselves, and at peace with each other. By His resurrection from the dead, Christ showed once and for all that God desires that all people know perfect peace. “For He Himself is our peace, … and He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:14-17). Christmas peace is about accepting God’s gift of peace in Jesus. Are you a peacemaker? Are you concern about reconciling broken relationships that exist in your living quarters. Where is my living quarters? Its where ever you live, work, play, fellowship, shop, and even mingle.

How can Christmas peace be obtained?

Only through Christ. For through Him, we acquire peace that only the savior can give. Even when we long for it, no matter how hard we try, reality seems to get in the way and quickly reminds us that we have so far to go. Sure we are progressing, but if we as human beings have so much potential to be good, why are we not consistently living up to it? So where can we turn for our hope of peace? Have you ever considered looking to see what Jesus Christ says as a solution for peace? Not only does a familiarity of the scriptures teach us the way Christ demonstrates for us to be at peace with each other, Jesus himself served to make peace between people and God — a peace that was broken because of our imperfection, and our rebellion to go our own way and live life apart from God. Sin separates us from God who is holy, perfect, and loving. It also prevents us from having access to the love and power from God that would enable us to truly realize and experience peace.

Why is it important for us to be actively involved in Christmas peace?

Seeking peace by our own efforts is an endless pursuit, however God instructs us with a peace that surpasses understanding. The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom.” Jesus was the perfect example of “shalom” lived out. He demonstrated the kind of peace we all long for. Being the Son of God, Jesus was at complete peace and unity with God (“I and the Father are one,” is a statement he made about himself). Christ treated people with respect, wisdom and love. He brought peace to those around him, and he ultimately wants to bring peace between you and God. Without involving ourselves in Christ’s way of peace we simply will not obtain the reward for being faithful. Notice I didn’t say that you wouldn’t be saved. One of the rewards of faithfulness is our relationship with Christ produces within us the wisdom and knowledge to demonstrate and actively involved ourselves towards peace on earth. When we act in this way it sets us up to receive the Chief Shepherd’s clarion call, you’ve been faithful over a few things come on up and I’ll make you ruler over many.

Closure: So as we celebrate and enjoy our families and friends this holiday season. Let us remember that Christmas Peace is God’s gift to the world so that we can interact with our fellowman in meaningful relationships that produces good will towards all men.