Peace sermon for Advent

Open: Truce in the Forest - A Christmas Eve cease fire is the account of a brief break in the war for a handful of German and American soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge. It only lasted until the next day but both groups of soldiers departed in different directions without shooting at each other.

Transition: Peace is a longing in the human soul, and we take joy when it occurs, even briefly. It points to the longing in our hearts for a deeper and more permanent peace.

Read the Text: Romans 5:1-5

Definitions of peace

Oxford Online dictionary

Freedom from disturbance, tranquility

A state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

The biblical concept of peace is larger than the absence of conflict and has the meaning ‘to be complete’ or ‘to be sound;’ it means to ‘live well.’

Believers possess a precious thing (Romans 5:1)

Explanation: Believers currently possess peace with God. The verse is in the indicative - it declares an objective state of being. It presents things as they are. And the verse is in the present tense; those who are IN Christ enjoy a continuing relationship with God that is marked by peace.

This peace with God is a result of our justification. Justification is a forensic term and it deals with a legal action in which a verdict is rendered. To be justified is to be declared not guilty. The verb tense for the justification is past tense, and refers to a completed action.

The logic presented is those who are justified have peace with God.

This justification is by faith. We do not accomplish it through our own efforts or by individual merit. The justification is based on the action of Jesus at the Cross and our corresponding faith (trust) in that transaction.

Argument: God has always known that mankind could not achieve peace by its own efforts. The 1st Advent of Jesus introduced a new concept of peace into a troubled world. At His birth the Angels announced His arrival to the shepherds and they proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

A survey of world history leads many to arrive at the false conclusion that Jesus failed in His mission to bring peace to the world. This is far from the truth. Granted, wars and rumors of war continue, but the idea of His failing neglects 2 great truths:

As Romans 5:1 indicates we have peace with God in the present. It is a full peace that is not marked merely by the absence of conflict. Definitions matter.

His mission of peace also has a future dimension. He will physically return to the earth in His 2nd Advent and there will be peace on the earth. Speaking of that glorious future the Prophet Isaiah stated, “He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)

We look forward to that glorious future and we (hopefully) have an expectant attitude towards his Return. But where does this leave us as believers in the here and now? Living in the times between His Advents has always brought challenges to the faithful and our generation is no exception. We live in troubled and violent times and our peace is fragile and fleeting. The call to live under the Banner of the Cross is a way of living that requires godly wisdom and a vibrant faith.

Possessing God’s peace does not prevent believers from enduring difficult circumstances (Romans 5:3-4)

A look back at our text in Romans 5 reminds us that it is in the difficult times when we can grow in our faith and be a strong witness to a lost world that is tearing itself to pieces with violence and apathy. The apostle informs us of our glorious position IN Christ and he encourages us to rejoice! (Rom 5:2). Immediately following that encouraging thought he reminds us that we are to “glory in tribulations also” (Rom. 5:3)

It is in the trials and tribulations of life that we can shine even more brightly for Jesus in this dark world in which we live. When we maintain the “peace of God that passes understanding” (Phil 4:7) we give lost people a glimpse of the glory and power of God and we encourage other believers as well.

Illustrate: Rene Peal’s witness of peace as she dealt with the unexpected news of Jeff’s tragic death. She simply surrendered it all to God and gave an incredibly powerful witness of God’s grace. [Add PB’s comment: the grace doesn’t surprise me because it’s from God; it’s the fact that she willingly received it]

Not all believers respond to negative circumstances in like manner. The grace from God is the same, but we are at different stages of the journey. That’s why the Scripture states that “tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience” (Rom 5:4). As we continue to walk with God and mature in the faith we gain experience in God’s goodness and providential character with the result of being able to trust Him more.

As we celebrate the season with family, friends and co-workers think about how you can bless someone by creating opportunities for them to experience physical peace.

Offer to watch someone’s children

Do the shopping / run errands for those who are stressed out by life

Visit a nursing home and visit someone who is neglected or overlooked

Write a friend a note or a letter

Take a widow out for a meal

Take a break from social media!

These are simply suggestions of ways to help reduce the stress level of another. The actions themselves, however, are not Christian - any lost person with compassion for others can do the same thing, and soup kitchens and homeless shelters experience a rise in volunteers and donations during the Holidays.

You can , however, do these things with the intent to share the hope of Christ. Be intentional in explaining that Jesus is the motivation for your effort to help. Share about the peace that Christ has given you and tell them that He is the Ultimate answer to their greatest need.

Close with benediction from Hebrews 13:20-21