Prince of Peace

Intro

This is what we are going to do; take a close look at Scripture this Christmas

It is what we have been doing with the titles of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father… Prince of Peace

4th (and 5th!) advent today

We have had some wildly different Christmas Eve services during my time at SBF

Small gathering of 40 @ the MC -> video pre-recorded -> Chapel with restrictions -> chapel without restrictions -> … in the morning?

Welcome here; lets learn together

Prince of Peace

Peace = wholeness, completeness, well-being

Personal level (I am at peace)

Relational level (we are at peace)

Relational is the main focus

As the Prince of Peace, Jesus will usher in peace in the eternal kingdom that is prophesied

Isaiah was writing during a time of war and conquest

“Mighty God” points to a king able to defeat evil

Once evil is defeated, peace can reign

Peace is the ultimate goal of the kingdom of God

Peace with God

Big Picture

This is the course of human history, and indeed of all creation

We even see this in the Christmas story, Luke 2:14 ““Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!””

Paraphrase the story of Creation, Fall, Redemption with focus on alienation and then peace with God

Picture in Revelation = God perfectly with His people

Cf. Revelation 21:3-4.

A picture of people truly at peace with God

Small Picture

This is why it matters to you, personally

Cf. Romans 5:8.

Still sinners = Hostile to God

Jesus made peace with you FIRST

Candidly share my struggles with feeling forgiven

What sin, shame, brokeness are you bringing? Jesus offers you peace, before you make any changes

Peace with Others

Big Picture

This is what contestants in beauty pageants are talking about… peace on earth!

Talk about my reaction to the recent wars in Ukraine and Israel; we are STILL not past doing violent and hateful things to each other

Peace on earth is something only acheivable through the Prince of Peace and the kingdom He is establishing

Cf. Isaiah 2:4.

Cf. Revelation 21:24-26.

All the nations throughout all history are heading toward a time of true, complete peace because of Jesus

Small Picture

If the kingdom of God is one characterized by peace, than as citizens of that kingdom, we must be peacekmakers

Recite the Lord’s prayer together

Cf. Matthew 6:9–15 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Jesus commands us to pray (and to live) inviting the kingdom to come more fully on earth… this means more peace

Being peacemakers isn’t about theoretical situations, but day-to-day, active, choices

What will bring more peace, more of the kingdom of heaven into this situation?

When we think of peace this way, it is easy to see how practical this is

Start with talking about family dynamics at Christmas -> COVID-related disagreements and broken relationships

Being a peacemaker means we are PROACTIVE

Take the first step in praying for your “enemies”

This helps them, and it helps change your heart towards them

Take the first step of forgiving others; even when they don’t ask for forgiveness

Remember, Jesus did this exact same thing for you!

Take the first step in reaching out and trying to reconcile with those you are at odds with

We aren’t afforded the luxury of waiting for others to “come around”

Lastly, recognize that some relationships are broken, no matter how much you try to make peace

This can still be done with proper boundaries

Do your part; leave the rest to God and to the other party

Cf. Romans 12:18.

See how many qualifications there are! This is messy, but it is so, so important

Conclusion

So this Christmas, remember that Jesus is doing BIG things

He is coming again to usher in His kingdom in the fullest, one that will have perfect peace between God and between people

Also remember that the kingdom of heaven is increased on earth through the (seemingly) SMALL things

The story of redemption is not just cosmic in scope, but it means forgiveness for you

Our call is to be peacemakers, bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth through our prayers, forgiveness and reconciliation with others

Big or small, there are many reasons to celebrate and worship the Prince of Peace