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.