Joy to the World: Embracing Peace

Sermon Quick Summary
As we continue our travels this morning, we continue to look to Jesus for peace, our living hope and light in the darkness. We have two scripture passages this morning. The first one is found in Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) and the second is from Luke 2:13-14. Even as we celebrate this good news, there is tension because we live in the time of “already but not yet.” During the First Advent, Jesus came, but the Kingdom of God had not yet been fully realized. We wait for Jesus’ return at the Second Advent to fully realize the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus, we are empowered to embrace and to embody the divine peace of Jesus. True inner peace begins when we have peace with God deep within us even in the harshest conditions. Without the divine peace of Jesus, our souls remain restless, hungry, and searching. Silence and solitude with God deepens peace. The peace of Jesus extends beyond ourselves and is meant to shape our relationships with others. How can we practically embrace peace, especially with those closest to us, where pain and brokenness exist? First, examine your heart. Second, practice active listening seeking to understand them. Third, speak words of peace and reconciliation. Fourth, be generous with grace. The peace of Jesus is designed to ripple outward, transforming communities, nations, and the world. As peacemakers, we are called by God do many things: seek justice; pursue reconciliation; promote unity; and respond with grace and kindness. As we reflect on peace and all that it means, true peace can only be found in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

As we continue our travels this morning, we continue to look to Jesus for peace, our living hope and light in the darkness.
 Let us share a poem by Dr. Maya Angelou entitled Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem. You may wish to close your eyes and picture the scenes or notice the feelings she evokes in the way only Maya Angelou can with her words.

"Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes
And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses.
Flood waters await us in our avenues.

Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to avalanche
Over unprotected villages.

The sky slips low and grey and threatening.

We question ourselves.
What have we done to so affront nature?
We worry God.
Are you there? Are you there really?
Does the covenant you made with us still hold?

Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters,
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.

The world is encouraged to come away from rancor,
Come the way of friendship.

It is the Glad Season.
Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps quietly in the corner.
Flood waters recede into memory.
Snow becomes a yielding cushion to aid us
As we make our way to higher ground.

Hope is born again in the faces of children
It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they walk into their sunsets.
Hope spreads around the earth. Brightening all things,
Even hate which crouches breeding in dark corridors.

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now. It is louder.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.

We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But, true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.

We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas.
We beckon this good season to wait a while with us.
We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, say come.
Peace.

Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian,
Implore you, to stay a while with us.
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community.

It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.

On this platform of peace, we can create a language
To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.

At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ
Into the great religions of the world.
We jubilate the precious advent of trust.
We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope.
All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices
To celebrate the promise of Peace.

We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.

Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul."

 The holiday season is a time filled with lights, laughter, and cherished traditions; it also magnifies our deep need for peace. In a world marked by conflict, anxiety, and uncertainty, peace becomes more than a pleasant thought; it’s a longing of the heart. While we decorate trees, exchange gifts, and gather for celebrations, many of us are also navigating storms in our lives. But what is peace? Is it simply the absence of conflict, or is it something deeper?

We have two scripture passages found in Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) and in Luke 2:13-14 (NLT).
 Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) reads: "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!"
The prophet Isaiah wrote these words during a time of great turmoil and darkness for Israel. The children of Israel longed for a deliverer, someone to bring them out of oppression and into peace. Isaiah’s prophecy offered hope; a child would be born, and a Son given by God. Through a series of names, Isaiah doesn’t just tell us what this child will do; he tells us who this child is, His character, as well as His mission. Isaiah tells us the child will be called Wonderful Counselor. The word "wonderful" literally means that which is full of wonder, supernatural, and miraculous; these attributes are so much more than what we mean when we say wonderful.  "Counselor” means this child would possess supernatural wisdom, providing counsel and guidance beyond normal human comprehension. Mighty God speaks to Jesus’ divinity and power. This would be no ordinary child. He would be born human, but He would also be fully God. Everlasting Father speaks to Jesus’ relationship with His followers. He wasn’t only coming as a king, but also as a parent, offering care, provision, discipline, and unconditional love that would be personal and eternal. Jesus would also be called the Prince of Peace. This name speaks to the type of reign the child would bring. Jesus didn’t come solely to eradicate conflict, but Jesus came to establish wholeness, harmony, and reconciliation with God for God’s Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is characterized by fairness, justice, and righteousness.
 About 600 years later in Luke 2:13-14, we see Isaiah’s prophecy coming to fruition. We are witnesses to the first advent of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:13-14 (NLT) says, "Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'" We see angels bursting onto the scene, proclaiming the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy to shepherds in the field. "Glory to God in the highest," they sing, "and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." This peace is not about a feeling or emotion. This peace is a person, ushering in The First Advent, a new reality that is the inauguration of the Kingdom of God on earth. Jesus’ coming is not only the fulfillment of God’s promises but also the answer to humanity’s deepest needs.
 Through Jesus, we can have peace with God, meaning sin no longer separates us, and we can know God personally and intimately. Through Jesus, we can have peace within ourselves, which means we can allow God to work within us, toward becoming the best version of ourselves as the divine planned from the beginning of time. Through Jesus, we can have peace with others as we follow Jesus’ teachings for how to live in harmony with one another. The angelic proclamation wasn’t just for that one holy night. It was a declaration of what Jesus could and would accomplish through His life, death, and resurrection for peace on earth. And the peace of Jesus is still available today.
Even as we celebrate this good news, there is tension because we live in the time of “already but not yet.”
 During the First Advent, Jesus came, but the Kingdom of God had not been fully realized. We wait for Jesus’ return at the Second Advent to fully realize the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus, we are empowered to embrace and to embody the divine peace of Jesus.

 Even as we celebrate this good news, there is tension because we live in the time of "already but not yet." This time means we have peace with God and His peace is available to us, but we still wrestle with doubts, anxieties, fears, and worries. We seek peace with others, but relationships are messy, imperfect, and painful. We desire peace in the world, but conflict, divisiveness, and injustice abound.
 We wait, but it’s not a passive waiting. While we wait for Jesus to come again, the Prince of Peace calls and empowers us to embrace and embody His peace in a world that so desperately needs it.
 What does it look like to embrace the peace of Christ? How can we live as people of peace while we wait for Jesus’ return? These are big questions, but the journey begins with one step. The fallen world believes that one can feel inner peace without God. However, the truth is that peace within starts from peace with God, and then peace with ourselves, in that order.

True inner peace begins when we have peace with God deep within us even in the harshest conditions. Without the divine peace of Jesus, our souls remain restless, hungry, and searching.
 One of the deepest longings of the human heart is for inner peace. This inner peace from God calms our fears, soothes our worries, and brings rest to our souls. Advent reminds us that peace is not just a condition or a state of mind. Peace is Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who stepped into a broken world to heal our broken hearts, offering the gift of true and lasting peace.
 The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:1 (NLT), “…since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” True inner peace begins when we have peace with God. When we accept God’s love and the gift of reconciliation with God, then we can experience peace through Jesus and find rest for our souls. Without the divine peace of Jesus, our souls remain restless, hungry, and searching. True inner peace begins when we make peace with God.
 Jesus, the Prince of Peace, transforms our daily lives by inviting us to experience His peace even when life feels chaotic and out of control. As we consider traveling in Europe, there are Christmas trees with their deep roots and rich history in Germany. O Tannenbaum literally means O Fir Tree. Evergreen trees, in general, provide a great metaphor for the peace Jesus wants us to experience. In the bleakness of winter, when the world is cold and barren, evergreen trees remain vibrant and full of life. Their constant green is a reminder that life and vitality endure, even in the harshest conditions. Just as the evergreen’s deep roots nourish and strengthen it against storms, our lives need to be deeply rooted in Christ to experience His unshakable peace. Like the evergreen tree, peace doesn’t come from what’s on the surface. It comes from what’s happening deep within like the underground roots of the trees.

Silence and solitude with God deepens peace.
 One of the most powerful ways we can deepen our roots to experience the Prince of Peace and the peace Jesus offers is through silence and solitude. In the busyness of this season, silence and solitude can feel out of reach. Silence and solitude are essential for drawing near to the Prince of Peace. Without moments of stillness, the hurried pace of life can drown out the calming voice of Jesus. Jesus is always present, but we can miss Jesus in the blur of our lives.
 The prophet Elijah didn’t hear God in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the divine still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13). Like Elijah, we often have to get past the noise around us to hear the whisper of the Prince of Peace. Our world is just too loud and too fast. Silence and solitude require intentionality, especially during the Advent season. The busyness of preparing for Christmas can crowd out the very peace we are meant to celebrate. But when we create space for stillness, we allow the Prince of Peace to speak into our hearts and lives, deepen our roots, and fill us with His peace.
 What practical ways exist for stillness and solitude with the divine? It is not just about you getting on your knees, hands folded, looking to heaven, although you can do that if you want to. The practice should be to simply finding a quiet space, even for just a few minutes. One must practice turning off the television, putting down your phone, and simply being aware that Jesus is with you. Take some deep breaths. Release any tension in your body and simply invite Jesus to fill you with His peace.
 If you find silence overwhelming, play soft, calming music to help focus and center on Immanuel that God is with you. It may be hard for you to sit still, go for a walk, or let the beauty of creation draw your thoughts to the Creator. If you need something to focus on, light a candle as a symbol of Christ’s light and peace. Sit by your Christmas tree, reflect on its beauty, and use it as a reminder of the Prince of Peace who sustains you. Or say a simple breath prayer like, Inhale: “Prince of Peace, I trust You.” Exhale: “Fill me with Your peace.” You may be surprised to find how a breath prayer allows God to calm your fears, quiet your mind, and remind you of His unchanging presence. Your problems and concerns may still be there, but silence and solitude remind us that Jesus is there too. And Jesus will never leave you because He is your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Rooted in Jesus, we can be as steadfast as an evergreen tree as we experience His peace that passes understanding.

The peace of Jesus extends beyond ourselves and is meant to shape our relationships with others.
 If we’re honest, relationships can be one of the hardest places to maintain peace. Misunderstandings, grudges, and old wounds can make peace feel unattainable. How can we live out the call of peace with others, especially in a season like Christmas when family tensions and societal divisions are often magnified? We are going to leave the lessons from trees in Germany. Continuing our metaphorical travels, we go to the UK to consider one of the most famous and beloved Christmas traditions coming from England about the classic story by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol.
 Early on in A Christmas Carol, we meet Ebenezer Scrooge, a man whose life is marked by greed, bitterness, and isolation. His relationships are broken—his employees fear him, his family avoids him, and his heart has grown cold. Scrooge become a “bah, humbug” kind of guy. Scrooge’s lack of peace within himself spills over into every relationship in his life.
 A turning point comes. Through visits from the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future, Scrooge sees the impact of his choices. He sees the pain he has caused, the loneliness he has embraced, and the missed opportunities for love and generosity. This awakening leads him to repent and choose the new path of reconciliation, restoration, and being at peace with himself and others.
 Scrooge becomes a living example of Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” His story reminds us that peace with others often begins with a softened heart and a willingness to take the first step toward reconciliation. This is consistent with biblical teaching that also encourages us to make the first move toward peace with others. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus tells us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Holding onto grudges creates walls, but forgiveness builds bridges. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul urges us to value others above ourselves and look to their interests. Peace often requires us to lay down our pride. And in Matthew 22:39, Jesus states the great command to love our neighbor as ourselves. This love is the foundation of peacemaking.
 Living at peace with others doesn’t mean avoiding conflict or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it means addressing issues with grace, seeking understanding, and being willing to extend and receive forgiveness. Like Scrooge, many of us carry burdens of unresolved conflict. Bitterness, anger, and resentment rob us of the peace Jesus offers and wants us to experience with one another.
 Carrying the burden of unresolved conflict is like carrying a backpack filled with stones. Each unresolved conflict or unspoken hurt is like a stone added to the load. Over time, the weight becomes unbearable, draining your energy and joy. Jesus invites us to lay down this heavy burden by choosing forgiveness and reconciliation, as we seeking peace. Forgiveness is not about condoning wrongs but about releasing the power unforgiveness has over us so we are able to experience the peace of Christ and heal what’s broken. Forgiveness and reconciliation doesn’t mean the relationship will necessarily go back to what it was before, but it does mean that even with new boundaries, you are at peace and able to offer peace in Christ.


How can we practically embrace peace, especially with those closest to us, where pain and brokenness exist?

First, examine your heart.
 Ask yourself, “Is there someone I need to forgive? Is there someone I need to seek forgiveness from?” Pray for the courage to take the first step.

Second, practice active listening seeking to understand them.
 In conflicts, we often focus on defending ourselves instead of truly understanding the other person. Listen without interrupting or judging, seeking to understand their perspective.

Third, speak words of peace and reconciliation.
 Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Words have the power to heal or harm. Be intentional about speaking words that build bridges and open doors. Pray for guidance that the person is open to hear and receive the hand of peace.

Fourth, be generous with grace.
 Relationships are messy, readiness can take time, and peace requires a willingness to extend grace because people will fall short. We must remember how much grace God has shown us and let that inspire us to be patient and gracious. Just as God took the first step toward us, we are called to take the first step toward others. Dickens’s A Christmas Carol invites us to examine our own lives and allow the Prince of Peace to work in us and through us, bringing harmony to our relationships.

The peace of Jesus is designed to ripple outward, transforming communities, nations, and the world.
 As followers of the Prince of Peace, we are called to be active peacemakers. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? And how can we bring peace into a world marked by so much division, conflict, and injustice?  The first step in being a peacemaker begins seeking justice. For an example of justice, we are going to consider lessons from Germany. One of the most extraordinary examples of peacemaking in the midst of conflict and chaos happened in 1914. This peacemaking event was known as the Christmas Truce. This truce didn’t end the war, but for a brief moment, God’s light shone, and peace reigned. Let us view this video related to Christmas Truce event in 1914.

Soldiers from opposing sides laid down their weapons to sing carols, exchange gifts, and play soccer in no-man’s land. It was a remarkable moment when the Kingdom of God pierced through the darkness of war. Our calling from God is to be peacemakers. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This is not a passive calling. To be a peacemaker requires intentionality, courage, and faith. Peacemakers are bridge builders, reconcilers, and advocates for justice and wholeness.
 Peacemaking goes beyond simply avoiding conflict. It involves stepping into difficult situations, fostering understanding, and working for the good of others. It is about reflecting the heart of Christ, who reconciled us to God and calls us to extend that reconciliation to the world.

As peacemakers, we are called by God do many things: seek justice; pursue reconciliation; promote unity; and respond with grace and kindness. 

We are called by God to seek justice.
 Scripture provides a roadmap for living as peacemakers. Isaiah 1:17 reminds us: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Peacemakers stand up for the marginalized and work to right wrongs, reflecting God’s heart for fairness and compassion.
We are called to pursue reconciliation.
 As 2 Corinthians 5:18 states, “God...gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Peacemakers work to restore broken relationships—whether between individuals, communities, or nations.
We are called to promote unity.
 Ephesians 4:3 urges us to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Unity doesn’t mean uniformity; it means valuing diversity while striving for harmony.
We are called to respond with grace and kindness.
 Romans 12:21 declares “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Peacemakers respond to conflict and hostility with kindness, choosing grace over retaliation.
 Wherever we have an opportunity to seek justice, pursue reconciliation, promote unity, and respond to evil with grace and kindness, we are following the ways of the Prince of Peace as peacemakers. Is there an opportunity for you to advocate for someone in need? Is there an injustice that needs you to speak up or take a stand? Can you foster understanding and kindness where there is division? How might God be calling you to be a peacemaker in your sphere of influence?

As we reflect on peace and all that it means, true peace can only be found in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. 
 We can’t experience true peace just on our own. Jesus is our Prince of Peace, not merely offering peace as a concept, but embodying peace in His very person. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He made a way for us to experience peace that surpasses all understanding. Without Him, our efforts to find peace within, restore relationships, or bring harmony to the world fall short.
 Jesus is inviting us to let Him reign in every part of our lives including our hearts, our relationships, and our world. The question for us then is: How will you allow Jesus to reign in your life as your Prince of Peace? Let us ponder that question as we listen to a Celtic worship song and celebrate the wonder and glory of Jesus’ first coming at the First Advent.
 Birth that brought the morning; a cry that meant the night would have to end; Angels’ son announcing; Blessed son come down to all mankind.
What was prophesied has come to pass; Hope arriving means I’m free at last. Prince of Peace rule over me
Prince of Peace reign. O comes all you despairing. There’s rest and comfort here under the star. Love fulfilled the promise. Messiah takes the crown here in my heart. I’ll drop everything and run to you. Spend my life declaring this good news; Glory to God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-For further explanation of any statement in the Quick Summary, review that section and consider the questions for that section.
As we continue our travels this morning, we continue to look to Jesus for peace, our living hope and light in the darkness.
-What does peace mean to you personally? How does that align with the concept of peace discussed in the poem, entitled Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem, by Dr. Maya Angelou? Share one thing that stood out to you from Dr. Angelou’s poem. Why do you think it resonated with you?  
We have two scripture passages this morning. The first one is found in Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) and the second is from Luke 2:13-14. 
-Reflect on Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 2:13-14. What does it mean to you that Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace”? How will that name bring comfort and hope for you?
Even as we celebrate this good news, there is tension because we live in the time of “already but not yet.”
-What does it look like for you to embrace the peace of Christ in a world that desperately needs it? How can you actively wait for Jesus to come again in the Second Advent?
True inner peace begins when we have peace with God deep within us even in the harshest conditions. 
Without it our souls remain restless, hungry, and searching.
-The sermon message highlighted that true peace begins with peace with God. In what ways have you experienced this peace? How has your relationship with God shaped your inner peace even in the harshest conditions?
-How does the metaphor of the evergreen tree, remaining vibrant even in the harsh conditions, encourage you in seasons of difficulty?
The peace of Jesus extends beyond ourselves and is meant to shape our relationships with others.
-Think about Romans 12:18. What is one step you can take towards peace in a strained relationship this week?
-Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation reminds us that peace with others in a season like Christmas begins with a softened heart. When family tensions and societal divisions are magnified, what practical ways will you cultivate a heart ready for reconciliation?  

How can we practically embrace peace, especially with those closest to us, where pain and brokenness exist?

First, examine your heart.
-Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness? How have you experienced the freedom of forgiveness in your own life? What makes forgiveness challenging to you?
-Consider someone in your life with whom you have had conflict. What would it look like for you to take the first step towards peace?
Second, practice active listening seeking to understand them.
What is the spiritual practice of active listening seeking to listen to the perspective of others, without judging? In what ways should you apply active listening to others in your spiritual practices?
Third, speak words of peace and reconciliation.
Consider Proverbs 15:1. In what ways should your words with divine guidance build bridges and open doors?
Fourth, be generous with grace.
-Why does God call us to be patient and gracious with others, especially for peace?
The peace Jesus brings is designed to ripple outward, transforming communities, nations, and the world. 
-As followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, what does it mean to be active peacemakers?
-The Christmas Truce of 1914, described in the video, is an example of God’s peace breaking through chaos. What moments in your life have felt like a Christmas Truce where God’s peace unexpectedly entered even in a difficult situation?
We are called by God to seek justice.
We are called to pursue reconciliation.
We are called to promote unity.
We are called to respond with grace and kindness.
- Is there an opportunity for you to advocate for someone in need? Is there an injustice that needs you to speak up or take a stand? Can you foster understanding and kindness where there is division? How might God be calling you to be a peacemaker in your sphere of influence?
-Which of the four spiritual actions for peace (seeking justice, pursuing reconciliation, promoting unity, or responding with grace and kindness) do you feel most called to by God for action at this place and time? In which spiritual action do you sense God calling you to grow? What is one step you can take this week?
-Where do you see God working in the world today through people who are committed to peacemaking? What examples are there of someone or something that inspires you?
As we reflect on peace and all that it means, true peace can only be found in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
-As you reflect on this Advent Season, how does the peace that is Jesus Christ encourage you as you anticipate Christmas?