Peace on Earth Short

Luke 2:8-20

When we think of peace embodied in the Christmas story, we can’t help but think of the shepherds. They were the unlikely recipients of God’s message of peace. I bet most of us grew up watching Linus recite it in A Charlie Brown Christmas when he tells Charlie Brown, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” It’s a great moment in TV history, but long before TV was imagined, it was inspired writing by the Apostle Luke: in chapter 2 verses 8-20. Let’s take a look.

Luke 2:8–20 NASB 2020

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

I think the story that night leads us into a few helpful insights about our own encounters with God’s peace.

1. Peace comes in our darkest hour.

For many of us, peace sounds like a long way off. A good idea. A nice thought for the holidays. Something we long for. If this is where you find yourself today, let me encourage you that Jesus shows up when the darkest hours of our life threaten our peace and hope and joy. He is there with us when love seems lost and the way forward is totally unclear.

But this is where God appears. This is where the Christ child is born. This is where the angels show up. In the middle of Israel’s dark night of Roman oppression and centuries of suffering and wondering, “Where is God?” In the middle of a world turned upside down for a young Jewish couple who have found themselves at the center of cosmic events—while at the same time trying to navigate the normal life realities of paying their dues by traveling by foot across the country to be counted by the government. And having to experience childbirth for the first time far from home, not in another state, or a less than hospital, but outside, in a barn, and in all of these circumstances, in all of these struggles—this is where God showed up. And this is where God continues to show up for us. In our pain. In our fears. In our confusion. In our grief. In our loss. In our uncertainty.

I don’t know every hardship you are facing today, or every wince of pain you are feeling. But God does. He is there, bringing peace to calm your heart, peace that defies your circumstances. That’s our second thought this morning...

2. Peace defies our circumstances.

With many of our circumstances, other people can’t always relate. I know how unfair it can seem sometimes. But let me encourage you that there is a peace that is deeper, there is a peace that defies your circumstances. In the face of all you are feeling and all you have gone through; God’s peace just doesn’t make sense—but it is real. And it is healing. And it can guard your heart from continuing wounds. And it can protect your mind from the onslaught of anxiety.

The apostle Paul describes it like this in Philippians chapter 4. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Let me encourage each of us today, no matter what we are facing, that this process begins with us turning to God, bringing our hurts and questions and doubts and whys and needs to Him.

I don’t pretend to fully understand it, but there is a power in prayer and a transformation that grows from gratitude. It’s not the power of getting what we want or convincing God to see things our way. We can try, and He will listen. But much more than that, the power of prayer happens in this experience of peace as our perspective changes and finds an understanding that God is with us, no matter what. He’s got this, He can be trusted, and He is enough. And that’s our third point on peace today… He is enough, Peace is a person.

3. Peace is a person.

God’s grace and God’s judgement work hand and hand. There’s no peace without resolution. When we think of peace perhaps we think of war. The absence of one perhaps leading to the other. If we aren’t at peace, then we are at war with God. Struggling with God. Out of sync. Out of rhythm. Then there is no rest, no peace. The wicked and those outside of relationship with Christ are at war with God whether they realize it or not! Psalm 7:10-12 says, God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day, if He does not turn back, He will sharpen His sword, He bends His bow and makes it ready.” Moses wrestled with God spiritually. He made excuses on why he wasn’t God’s man. Jacob wrestled with God over his position in the world, he wanted God to bless Him. Job wrestled with God over why bad things happen to good people.

The point of these accounts is to help us realize that it’s ok to wrestle with God, but we must realize God always wins. God has given a person and that person is Jesus Christ. And the only way we have peace with God is through a relationship with His Son who was born on that first Christmas Day, Jesus Christ! It all comes back to a person. Peace is a person. Peace is Jesus. Paul says in Ephesians 2:14 “He (or Jesus) himself is our peace,” And long before His arrival on earth, the prophet Isaiah called Jesus the Prince of Peace.

CONCLUSION

What is your current relationship status with God? Are you at odds with Him? Is there any conflict? Are you at peace with God? If not what part of you is at war with Him? Are you at peace with people? We can’t be at odds with others and say we have peace with God.

As we sign off today receive this blessing from 2 thessalonians 3:16

2 Thessalonians 3:16 “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!” Merry Christmas!