Sunday 12:05:10

Luke 2:8-14 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” In our world, peace is understood as an absence of conflict. But the peace of the Bible is not just absence of conflict. Romans 16:20 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. The peace of the Bible shalom and its Greek equivalent word express the idea of well-being, restoration, reconciliation with God, and salvation in the fullest sense. There are things in ourselves, and things in this world that keep us from receiving Christ’s gift of peace. Striving to be acceptable to God can keep you from realizing that God has accepted you as you are – Christ brings striving to an end. God has loved and accepted you as you are. “God is not in love with some future version of you.” – Matt Chandler. He loves you now, as you are. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Envying others for what they have can keep us from receiving Christ’s peace. Proverbs 14:30 30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Knowing Christ and being strengthened in him can bring us to contentment. Philippians 4:12-13 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Worrying can keep us from receiving Christ’s gift of peace. John 16:33 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We will have trouble in this life, but in the midst of it, we can have peace. We can rest in the fact of Christ’s sovereign, loving protection. Philippians 4:5-9 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Busyness can keep us from receiving Christ’s gift of peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. V 6 – “a child is born” – the Messiah would be a man. He was given “to us,” or for our benefit. The first two names of the child suggest divine wisdom and power. The word “wonderful,” Who He is and what he’s done fills us with wonder, has overtones of diety. Counselor speaks of divine wisdom. Mighty God – he is God and, as such, has the strength and power of God. The last two are the ends he accomplishes by the exercise of these attributes – [Everlasting Father] his fatherly care of his people and the bringing of peace [as the Prince of Peace]. We receive the gift of peace by dwelling with the Prince of Peace, in His Presence. Make time with the Prince of Peace this month. Don’t miss His peace. Don’t let the busyness of the season keep you from the reason we celebrate the real gift of Christmas.