ADVENT WEEK 2 - PEACE - THE ANGEL'S CANDLE

PEACE

Advent should be time when we prepare for the coming of the Savior – celebrating both when He came but also coming again – it’s a time to pause and to refocus our thinking

The symbolism of the Advent Wreath –

Evergreens – symbolizes everlasting life even in the midst of winter and death.

Circle Wreath – like a wedding band – the never ending of God’s love for us – symbol for infinity – eternal

Pinecones – new life that Jesus brings to thru His resurrection

Candles – provide light – Jesus is the light of the World –

John 8:12 – Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” When He came 2000 years ago and now when He WILL come again.

Last week we discussed Hope –

What a Prophet was – being chosen by God, Speaking Divine Revelation and not own message – how we should have Hope for Today and Hope for Tomorrow and the Hope of Christmas and how the different titles of Christ in Isaiah 9:6 give us the hope we should live on – without Hope it is almost if not impossible to live

Today we discuss the second theme of Advent – Peace and the Angels Candle

Advent Week 2– Peace – Angel’s Candle –

Let Us Pray –

Lord, we seek your peace. We pray that Your peace would be sought and felt throughout the world and that the chaos in this world would be subdued by Your peace. We invite your peace to rule our hearts as You bring your strength and peace to us! As we end this year and reflect on your many gifts you have given us; let our hearts be encouraged with the truth that You are a Good, Good God. A Good, Good Father. We pray that we all seek You in a powerful way this Advent season and turn our hearts and focus back to You. We thank You for the hope you give us and for sending your Son to die for each and every one of us. We thank you for the peace we can have and the peace we can experience through You, an unshakable peace that nothing in this world can offer. May our words and actions be ones that glorify You. Amen.

As we take this time to pause – to not only think but to reflect on God’s good gifts and love – ultimately His love for Us to send us the Good Gift of His Son, Jesus to die for our sins and raise from the dead to conquer the hold of death.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

1. Angels Message – Peace

Luke 2:8-14 – And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Good News

Great Joy

Peace among those with whom He is well pleased

2. What is Peace?

According to dictionary.com it is freedom from disturbance; having tranquility; no war

Ancient, archaic definition included to remain silent.

a. What People were expecting – Warrior Messiah to bring peace – no war no occupation

Leviticus 26:6 – I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land.

This comes from Leviticus 26:3 – “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them,

Matthew 10:34 – “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Luke 12:51 – Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

Separate the sheep from the goats – identify the wolves and the predators

b. What God desired – that we should seek Him – seek His peace and pursue it

Psalm 34:14 – Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Psalm 4:8 – In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

As we close

Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.