Peace in the Incarnation

A proclamation of peace - Luke 2:13-14

Luke 2:13–14 NIV

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Peace is not found in circumstances.

Mary and Joseph did not have peaceful circumstances on that first Christmas - Luke 2:1–7

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

Joseph and Mary were forced by the government to travel to a distant city to be taxed - vs. 1-4

Mary had to travel while pregnant - vs. 5

They had no accommodations - vs. 6-7

They were forced to stay in the stable with the animals - vs. 6-7

Mary delivered her baby without the benefit of medical care - vs. 6-7

Jesus came to deliver a peace in the midst of trouble - John 14:27; John 16:33

John 14:27 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Our peace is from God, not circumstances

Our peace is unlike what the world sees as peace

Only God’s peace can truly alleviate fear

John 16:33 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

You will have trouble

You can have peace

We win!

Peace is not about how we feel but about our relationship with God

The prophet Jeremiah described a time when God’s people talked of peace but were far from God - Jeremiah 6:13-15

Jeremiah 6:13–15 NIV

“From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,” says the Lord.

The angel’s announcement looked forward to the purpose of Christ’s coming - Luke 2:14

Luke 2:14 NIV

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Note the difference with KJV “good will toward men”. Peace is given by God to those whom He favors.

God’s plan will bring us peace with God - Romans 5:1

Romans 5:1 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Peace with God is the prerequisite to peace in every area of life

Trusting is God leads to perfect peace - Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Since peace comes from God, we can have peace in any situation - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Instead of worrying, we are to bring our concerns to God - Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6–7 NIV

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.

Peace is our blessing from God - Romans 5:13

Romans 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.