The Heart Of Christmas "Peace"

Luke 2:14 KJV - 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Intro

Hello, church family. I want to welcome you to church today. You joined us at just the right time. We are in the middle of a Christmas series called “The Heart Of Christmas.”

We have been discovering the true meaning of this holiday season and the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brought us through his miraculous birth.

Last week we began with the hope that is at the heart of Christmas.

We saw the faithfulness of God from his prophetic word about Jesus’s future coming and the fulfillment of that word in Jesus’s birth, which gives us confidence that we can place our hope in him.

No matter what we face, God is right on time and will meet us in our time of need.

Today, we will look at another aspect of the heart of Christmas—the wonderful gift of peace.

Illustration:

Over the past week, my wife decorated our whole house with Christmas decorations, she put up the tree, hung the ornaments and ribbons, and put all kinds of decorations around the house.

There are wreaths and Christmas card holders and colorful Christmas garland.

There are 5 stockings hung on the wall.

There’s a banner above the table that say’s “Merry Christmas” There are chair covers that look like Santa Clause’s hat.

On our bed there is new Christmas-themed comforter on our bed.

The girl’s room has a mini-Christmas tree.

There’s even a mistletoe hung.

All kinds of decorations: One decoration says, “Joy.” Another says, “Love.”

But the one decoration that really caught my attention is a beautiful red planter with a small poinsettia.

On the planter is one word: “Peace.”

I stared at it for a moment and thought about Peace.

I love it because I am reminded of what this season is all about.

The reason for Jesus’ birth is God’s deep desire to see his creation no longer broken and in conflict but rather restored and at peace.

Transition: This Morning, let’s examine the heart of Christmas: the wonderful gift of peace.

(Prayer)

The first truth we will discover is:

I. Peace was Broken

But it wasn’t always like that.

Let’s go back to the beginning: Turn to

Genesis 1:4,10,12,18,21,25,31

A. In Creation, Peace was Permanent

Read in Genesis: 1 “it was good” verses 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31

7 times in Genesis 1 God said that what he created was good (7=number of completion)

Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

God had created a perfect world with no sin, no pain, no death.

1. Life Eternal

God intended for them to live forever

2. No Pain or Suffering

Adam and Eve experienced no pain

3. A Walk with God

The Garden of Eden was Heaven on Earth.

Adam and Eve lived in a perfect place with God.

Can you imagine living in a perfect world?

What would that be like?

What would that be like to never stub your toe? Never have a backache? Never have a headache? Never have an argument?

Wives: can you imagine your husband being perfect?

He’s just a stud of a man. No dad bod to be found. Strong as an ox.

His hair is perfect. No widow’s peak, no balding.

Never leaves his dirty laundry on the floor.

Always puts his shoes up.

Constantly tells you he love you.

Lets you choose what you will watch on tv.

Every day gives you the best back rub.

And most importantly he spends time with you…listening to every word that comes from your mouth.

He just adores you.

He even washes the dishes!

(Now look at your husband.) He’s all of those things right?

Husbands, can you imagine living with a perfect wife in a perfect world?

Well that’s what Adam and Eve had! A perfect world! They had it made! Life eternal, no pain, no suffering, and a daily walk with God.

Transition: There’s no way that anything could go wrong....peace was permanent. God had made a perfect place with perfect people. Peace was permanent... But then....

B. In Sin, Peace was Broken

That serpent showed up and tempted Adam and Eve

Read Genesis 3:1-6

Adam and Eve decided to reject God’s Word

And in that moment peace was broken

Results of sin:

1. Death

Genesis 2:17 KJV - 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Romans 6:23a KJV - 23 For the wages of sin is death...

Ephesians 2:1 KJV - who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Because peace was broken by sin, death became a reality to life.

Every living thing will die.

Not only is there now death but now murder

(Abel killed by Cain)

Because of sin you will one day experience death.

Because of sin, there will be murder

(Animal killed to cover)

Death is the payment of sin. And you stand on death row.

2. Pain & Sorrow

Genesis 3:16-19, 23-24 KJV - 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. ... 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Because of sin you will experience pain and sorrow

Bad things happen because of sin. (Not God)

3. Separation from God

Genesis 3:23-24 KJV - 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Because of sin, you are separated from God

Man used to walk with God in the cool of the garden…not anymore.

4. Eternal Hell

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 KJV - 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Because of sin, you are separated from God, and are condemned to an eternal lake of fire.

Matthew 25-41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Revelation 20:15 - And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Hell is real

Hell is torture

Hell is eternal

ILLUSTRATION -Winchester Mansion

Thousands of people each year visit the Winchester Mansion in San Jose, California.

This massive structure was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the gun company owner. For thirty-eight years, from 1884 until her death in 1922, the house was under constant construction.

Teams of carpenters, masons and other workers were employed around the clock. Various stories have been told about the reason for this unusual practice.

Most center on Mrs. Winchester’s belief that she either was haunted or would be haunted by the ghosts of those killed by her husband’s weapons unless she kept building her house. Others claim that she thought she would not die as long as building continued.

Whatever the reason, she continued ordering more renovations and construction as long as she lived. There are more than 10,000 windows in the Winchester Mansion, doorways and stairs that lead to blank walls, and some 160 rooms in total. It is estimated that she spent more than $70,000,000 in today’s money on largely pointless construction—all in a desperate search for peace that was ultimately doomed to fail.

Many people today are seeking peace through equally fruitless means.

They turn to pleasure, drugs, alcohol, immorality, wealth and other dead end avenues.

Like the staircases that lead nowhere in the Winchester Mansion, pursuing such paths will never bring peace.

Transition

The original peace in the garden- broken by sin

We can look around and see that this world has no peace.

There is division.

There are wars.

There are murders.

Seems like people have lost their heads

ILL: like the wise man in our nativity scene.

Not only has peace been broken by sin but.....

II. Peace was Beyond Reach

-Hopeless/Lost/unattainable (Works can’t do it, sacrifice can’t do it, religion can’t do it)

Mankind finds himself in this predicament

Only death awaits

A great search for peace ensued

But Peace could not be found

Jeremiah 8:11b, 15 11b saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. ... 15 We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!

A. Peace could not be found in Sacrifices

Animal sacrifice is an important theme found throughout Scripture because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).

When Adam and Eve sinned, animals were killed by God to provide clothing for them (Genesis 3:21).

After the flood receded, Noah sacrificed animals to God (Genesis 8:20-21).

So what was the purpose:

God required animal sacrifices to provide a temporary covering of sins and to foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Leviticus 4:35, 5:10).

Hebrews 10:4, 6 KJV - 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. ... 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

B. Peace could not be found in Works

Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV - 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

C. Peace Could not be found in Religion

Matthew 23:25-26 KJV - 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Being a part of this church does not save you!

Praying to God does not save you!

Religion will not save you.

D. Peace could not be found Anywhere

Acts 4:12 KJV - 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Politics

World’s Wisdom

Medicine

When you die, eternity will not be determined by your

Education

When you die, eternity will not be determined by your education

Wealth

When you die, eternity will not be determined by your wealth.

Transition

The peace that God had planned for the world had been broken by sin, and mankind finds himself in a hopeless situation, peace is beyond reach.

There is nothing we can do to save ourselves.

We need a Saviour.

III. Peace was Born

Read Luke 2:8-14

Luke 2:8-14

What I find most amazing is that, when God wanted to announce the arrival of his son, he did not do it in the presence of kings or queens.

He announced it to the poor and the forgotten. It truly is good news because, if God’s favor was offered to the shepherds, then surely God’s favor and peace is available to us as well.

It is the world’s greatest need. From the time sin entered the world and affected all of creation, we have been at odds with God. The Bible says we were enemies of God and in rebellion against his rule and reign.

Sin did not just stop there, it also caused us to be in conflict with one another and ourselves. This is why Jesus’ birth was, and is, such good news.

It is the ultimate answer to the brokenness that exists because of sin—brokenness between ourselves and God, ourselves and others, and our own inner voice.

A. Peace was Planned

God Looked upon Our Helpless Plight with Compassion:

Saw the Sin

Saw the struggle

Saw the Wars

Saw the Hell

Saw the Helplessness

Saw There was No Peace

But God didn’t leave us in this doomed situation:

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV - 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Psalm 136:23 KJV - 23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Ezekiel 37:26 KJV - 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them:

Matthew 9:36 KJV - 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

B. Peace was Sent

God saw us in our helpless state and God Responded with Love:

John 3:16-17 KJV - 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Ephesians 2:13-14, 17 KJV - 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ... 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

C. Peace was Sacrificed

To understand the peace that is ushered in at Christmas time, we must understand that, although Jesus arrived in a cradle, his life would lead to a cross.

Jesus intentionally lived a sinless life and willingly offered his life through crucifixion.

Remember we saw that Death is the payment for sin?

Your sin could only be paid for by death.

Jesus took your place.

Born to Die (Died so you could live.)

Isaiah 53:5 KJV - 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Colossians 1:20 KJV - 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Ephesians 2:14 KJV - 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (already mentioned in previous point)

Peace could only come through the perfect Lamb of God

Jesus died, was buried, and rose again the 3rd day.

Song: It is well: Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,   Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,   And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

D. Peace is Gifted

John 14:27 KJV - 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Romans 6:23b the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

At the heart of Christmas is Peace.

God wants to give you the gift of peace.

John 16:33 KJV - 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Conclusion

Peace Can Be Yours:

1. Understand that your sin has separated you from having peace (separated you from God)

Your sin (not the sin of Adam, but YOUR SIN)

2. Know that the price of your sin is eternal Hell (no peace there)

3. Realize that you cannot attain peace on your own.

“not of works”

Your religion (baptism, praying, church, etc…)

Your works

Your education

There is only 1 door to heaven! His name is Jesus Christ

4. Accept Jesus Christ (the Prince of Peace) as your Saviour

Everything we’ve talked about does nothing to help you…Unless you accept the gift of peace.

You, just like Adam and Eve, has a choice: Choose God or choose to reject Him.

Christian, When we receive the gift of forgiveness that is offered to us by faith, we become friends of God and he offers us his power to help us navigate the difficulties of life.

Some may believe that being made right with God means they will never face any problems. This is not the case.

“Peace does not mean you won’t have any problems. Peace means that your problems won’t have you.”

The peace offered to those on whom God’s favor rests does not equate to the absence of conflict.

We may still have circumstances that don’t go our way or challenging relationships to navigate. What it does promise is the presence of God in our lives; and if He is with us, there is nothing we should fear.

We can go to him for guidance and strength. We can lean on him when we get weary. He promises to bind up our wounds when we are hurt.

Walk in the Spirit

Romans 8:6 KJV - 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Closing Illustration

THE MARTYRDOM OF NICHOLAS RIDLEY

In 1555, Dr. Nicholas Ridley was sentenced to be burned at the stake in England because of his witness for Christ. On the night before Ridley’s execution, his brother offered to remain with him in the prison chamber to be of assistance and comfort. Nicholas Ridley declined the offer saying, “I intend (God willing) to go to bed, and sleep as quietly tonight, as ever I did.” Because he knew the peace of God, he could rest in the strength of the everlasting arms of his Lord to meet his need. Most of us will never face a trial of our faith that is quite that severe, yet all of us go through difficult times. During those times, we have the opportunity to fix our minds on God and receive His peace. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3-5

JESUS RECONCILES US TO GOD

Pastor and speaker Dr. Tony Evans says it like this:

God desires for us to make peace with ourselves. Every past mistake, personal struggle, or worry for the future is met with the love and grace of God. We also make peace with others because of the forgiveness of God given to us. When we come to recognize the grace given to us, our hearts are transformed to offer grace to others.

As we get closer and closer to Christmas day, we move through a season known as Advent. Advent comes from the Latin word meaning arrival. Jesus’s first coming was the arrival of God’s light of the world. Like sitting around a lit Christmas tree at night, the glow of God’s presence washes over us. It calms our fears and steadies our hearts. At Christmastime, we also make note of another advent that is to come. One day in the future Jesus will return and make all things right once and for all. His peace covers our past, meets us in our present, and is a promise for the future.

1 John 4:9-10 KJV - 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

2 Samuel 22:17 KJV - 17 He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;

Peace was finally found.

Peace was born

Peace was handled by men

The Source of Peace

God wants to give an everlasting covenant of peace

Luke 2:14 KJV - 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

John 14:27 KJV - 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Acts 10:36 KJV - 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Romans 3:17 KJV - 17 And the way of peace have they not known:

Romans 5:1 KJV - 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 8:6 KJV - 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 10:15 KJV - 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Romans 14:17 KJV - 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13, 33 KJV - 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. ... 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV - 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Galatians 5:22 KJV - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Ephesians 6:15 KJV - 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Philippians 4:7, 9 KJV - 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ... 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 KJV - 16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 26:3 KJV - 3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 48:22 KJV - 22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

Isaiah 52:7 KJV - 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Isaiah 57:21 KJV - 21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Conclusion

There are many people who do not value peace in their relationships, and so they live in a constant state of conflict. Some people are looking for a fight because they aren’t in one. It reminds me of what Linus said to Charlie Brown in a Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie Brown was having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit, and Linus observed, “Charlie Brown, you’re the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.”

Unfortunately, this is the outcome for people who believe Christmas is about other things besides hope, peace, joy, and love. This Christmas may we be people who embrace the gift offered to us through Jesus who died for us so we might live in right relationship with God, ourselves, and others.