http://bible.com/events/49001422
Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg
The Christmas Gifts: PEACE
Stop searching for your peace.
Instead welcome HIS.As we enter the Advent season for 2022, we will seek to grow deeper in our understanding of the free gifts available to us through Christ and his coming. Gifts we cannot earn and do not deserve.
Today we focus on the gift of Peace.Isaiah 9:6-7For 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. 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.-The word for peace in the Old Testament is ‘shalom’, which literally meant ‘completeness or wholeness’.-The speak ‘shalom’ over someone was to declare ‘may God take the broken pieces of your life and put them together as they should be’.-Think about what this meant that Isaiah is prophesying a ‘Prince of Peace’.Luke 2:13-14Suddenly 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.”
“Glory to God in Heaven” and “peace to those on earth.”
There is no need to proclaim peace to Heaven, since it is already there. But it those of us still living in this broken world desperately need the promise of peace.John 14:27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
According to Jesus, there is a difference between the God’s peace and our own version of peace.
Have you experience the gift of God’s peace?
The world’s version of peace ignores the real problem.The world’s version of peace is fleeting.
The world’s version of peace cannot offer you hope and healing.The bottom line:Stop searching for your peace.
Instead welcome HIS.
Verses for further study/reflection:
John 16:33
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Isaiah 26:3
John 14:27
Colossians 3:15
Philippians 4:7