Today we celebrate the second week of Advent and recognize that Jesus is our Peace.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Watch the video of this teaching at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/advent-2021-jesus-is-our-peace/ or on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/qZ-1junXmpQ
Advent is celebrated around the world as Christians prepare for Christmas Day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Each week we take a theme centered around Jesus and explore how he changed the world on that one miraculous day in Bethlehem.
You will notice that we have 2 candles lit. One for faith, which we spoke about last week, and today, one for peace.
Peace is in short supply these days. Just turn on the television and you will see advertisements for reducing stress; whether it is a new diet, a new exercise system, or a new medication. Doctors are always telling us to eat healthier, lose weight, exercise more, and get more sleep.
The world has a lot to offer in an attempt to get people to a place of peace of mind. But it is only temporary. There is no security system, government, or magic pill that can bring peace. Only having Jesus Christ in your life will bring you an inner peace that the world does not understand.
As we move closer to the celebration of the Christ child, we reflect on the peace that Jesus brought to our world.
Jesus’ message was very controversial for its time and it still is today, but his birth and ministry have brought peace to the hearts of people around the world. This little baby who was introduced to the world over 2000 years ago grew up to be the Savior of all mankind.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the impact this Christ child would have in 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.
Jesus is our Prince of Peace. In him, we find peace in the midst of chaos, turmoil, and grief.
Looking at the titles Isaiah gives Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, we see in Jesus, we can know that we do not have to go through life alone. He goes before us, surrounds us, and guides us.
Often when people think of peace, they think of a time without war. This is not the peace that Jesus brings. Jesus’ peace is not an absence of conflict, but a deep feeling in our hearts that everything will be okay for those who know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
His peace is all about reconciliation between man and God. Jesus’ sacrifice is the method of this reconciliation. In him, we receive forgiveness of sin and new life. Because of this, we are reconciled back to God and sin cannot hold us back from God any longer.
Jesus is our peace. He does not bring guilt or condemnation. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:1-2
(1) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, (2) because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
This innocent little baby born in a manger in Bethlehem was God himself coming to dwell among us so that we might be reconciled to Him. The Apostle John tells us in John 3:16-17
(16) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
We see from God’s love for us that he desired reconciliation with us and this reconciliation through Jesus Christ is what cements the peace that surpasses all understanding in our hearts.
This peace cannot be found in anything but a heartfelt relationship in and through Jesus because of his sacrifice made for each and every one of us.
Colossians 1:19-20 says
(19) For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, (20) and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
As the Christ child grew and began his ministry, he spread a message of love and hope.
Although many believed Jesus was the son of God, they didn’t fully understand until his blood was shed on the cross that he was the long-awaited Messiah. The peace he brings to us was fulfilled that day when he willingly took our sin to the cross on our behalf.
Our peace comes from Christ because of His sinless and selfless life.
Christmas is a time of celebration of who Jesus is and what he accomplished for us. He is our peace. Without him, we would be nothing. With him, we are everything.
This peace is a gift from Jesus. In his own words, he said in John 14:27
(27) Peace 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.
When someone gives you a gift, the only appropriate response is to gratefully accept it. Jesus has freely given you peace. It is yours to take hold of and allow it to resonate in your heart.
He tells us to not allow our hearts to be troubled. There are a lot of things in our lives that can leave us feeling troubled. Be encouraged that you do not have to allow your circumstances to bring fear or distress to your life.
You can choose peace. You can choose contentment. You can choose Christ. His peace is free to all those who have accepted His salvation and asked Him to be their Lord and Savior.
As you prepare your heart for the celebration of Christ’s birth we encourage you to read the Christmas story in the gospels of Matthew and Luke and meditate on what you read. May you rest in the peace only available through Jesus Christ this Christmas. May you choose peace over fear, peace over turmoil, and peace over chaos in your life. Jesus is our peace.
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