Luke 2:8-14

 

The peace that Jesus came to bring was:

  1. Peace with God. … Romans 5:1 tells us that our faith in Jesus is what brings us peace with God. As sinners, we are separated from God. When Adam and Eve were first created, they walked with God and had free access to Him, but when they sinned, that sin put a void between them and God. All sinners-all of us-are separated from God by that same void. Fortunately, Jesus came and provided a way for us to bridge that void and no longer be separated from God. We can have a restored relationship with God. We can have peace with God. And having peace with God is the first step to finding peace in other aspects of our lives. 
  2. Peace within me. … When Adam and Eve sinned, they felt shame and guilt and they tried to hide from God. Sin broke something inside them and ever since, humans have been born broken. Colossians 3:15 tells us to let the peace of Christ rule our hearts. We have the opportunity to let that peace take us over and fill us. Unfortunately, we often let worry and anxiety rule. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to not worry about anything but to give everything to God in prayer. Doing so lets the peace of God guard our hearts and minds. The heart is a battlefield and God's peace is like a protective dome around it, if we let it be. 
  3. Peace with others. … Adam and Eve's sin also broke their relationship with each other. Ephesians 2:14-15 tells us that the peace of Jesus unites us. It unites all people who have experienced the peace He offers. We are united in peace and should share that peace with others. 

 

Four practical tips to experience peace this Christmas:

  1. Talk to God about what worries you. … Sometimes, we talk to everyone but the One who can really help us. 
  2. Release the need to control everything. … We like to have control. However, control brings stress. And trying to control things we cannot control brings even more stress and anxiety. 
  3. Intentionally slow down. … Peace isn't instant. Peace must have time to soak in and marinate into your soul. 
  4. Become a peacemaker in your relationships. … Romans 12:18 echoes this advice. If possible, we are to seek to live at peace with others. Do your part to keep the peace.

 

For Further Study/Resources Used to Prepare This Message

  • Exalting Jesus in Luke (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)
  • ESV Expository Commentary
  • NIV Application Commentary
  • O Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
  • Love Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson
  • The Characters of Christmas by Dan Darling