The Gift of Peace (Luke 2:8-14)

Some say we are on the brink of World War Three…

Great Power Rivalries (U.S. vs. China and Russia)

The competition between the U.S., China, and Russia over global influence, trade, technology, and military dominance creates multiple flashpoints.

Regional Flashpoints

Taiwan Strait: A potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan could draw in the U.S. and its allies, escalating into a wider conflict.

Russia-Ukraine War: Escalation or spillover into NATO territory could trigger a direct conflict between Russia and the West.

Middle East Tensions: Proxy wars involving Iran, Israel, and other regional powers could spiral into broader wars involving global players.

Nuclear and Advanced Weapons Escalation

The modernization of nuclear arsenals and increased stockpiling by major powers.

Risks of nuclear weapons use in regional conflicts (e.g., by North Korea or during India-Pakistan tensions).

Potential deployment of hypersonic missiles and other advanced technologies lowering the threshold for major war.

As we consider these overwhelming global tensions, it’s easy to feel small and powerless.

But even beyond these world-sized issues, each of us faces fears closer to home—worries about money, family, jobs, and health.

Whether global or personal, fear is a reality we all contend with.

All of these things can become overwhelming sources of fear.

With all these global and regional tensions, the possibility of war, and the threat of advanced weapons, it’s no wonder people feel anxious and uncertain about the future.

Add to that the personal challenges we all face—worries about money, family, jobs, and health—and it can feel like we’re living under a cloud of fear.

But the truth is, this world has always been a battleground of fear and uncertainty. The question is: where can we turn for peace?

Is there a hope that can quiet the storms within us and bring clarity amidst the chaos around us?

The answer is not found in governments, alliances, or advanced technologies.

It is found in a person: Jesus!

Let’s see how the gift of peace that Jesus offers can address both the world's turmoil and our personal fears.

Main Idea: Jesus is the Peace this World Needs

In today’s passage of Scripture we see God do something amazing and puzzling.

You see, God has an amazing announcement to make to the people of Israel.

Now, it would make the most sense from our perspective to have angels go to the temple to let them know that the long awaited Messiah (King) will be arriving soon.

I mean, after all, who better to give this special news to than those whom should logically have the closest relationship with God - the religious elite?

But, God’s way of doing things are not our ways of doing things.

Isaiah 55:8–9 (ESV)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

This is sometimes very difficult for us to understand.

And in this situation, it is extremely difficult to understand why God would not go to the religious elite, but instead to a group of lowly shepherds to announce the most important news that has ever been shared in the history of humanity.

What is that news?

The KING is coming

The One who has always existed in the Godhead, came to earth to rescue sinners from eternal death!

The birth of Jesus is the sunrise in the Bible.

Henry Van Dyke

Let’s take a look at how the Son was about to rise in the lives of some very unexpected recipients.

1. The Shepherds’ Fear (v. 8-9)

Luke 2:8–9 (ESV)

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.

During the time of Jesus' birth, shepherds held a unique position in society.

They were often seen as lowly and unimportant in the social hierarchy.

This perception was influenced by several factors:

Occupational Challenges: Shepherding was a tough and demanding job, requiring individuals to be away from society for long periods while tending to their flocks in remote areas.

This lifestyle meant they were often isolated and viewed as outsiders.

Religious Implications: Shepherds' constant work with animals made it difficult for them to maintain the ceremonial cleanliness required by Jewish religious law.

As a result, they were often seen as ritually impure.

Social Perception: There was a general mistrust towards shepherds, partly due to their nomadic lifestyle.

They were sometimes suspected of thievery, especially when pasturing their flocks on others' land.

Again, don’t miss the point that this communication happened to shepherds of all people.

Not the dignitaries and important people of the world.

And not to the religious elite of the day, either. To lowly shepherds.

What the angels announced to the shepherds that night is announced on behalf of all humanity. Their journey to see these things should be every person’s journey to see what God is up to in Jesus.

Darrell L. Bock

The Shepherds were an unlikely bunch, but this is not bad…

These shepherds were on the night shift, caring for the sheep they were responsible for.

Now these shepherds had a serious responsibility.

They were shepherding sheep that would be used in the temple sacrifices.

The rolling hills were perfect for caring for these very special sheep.

Now, imagine a quiet and still - very dark night.

City lights like we have were not a thing, so the darkness would have been deep.

Notice in the text that Luke says one angel showed up to them.

Again, this must have been a terrifying event.

Put yourself there…

Notice also in verse 9 where the glory of the Lord shone…

Luke 2:9 (ESV)

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.

Imagine the contrast: these lowly shepherds, seen by society as insignificant, suddenly surrounded by the glory of the Lord.

In the midst of their fear, God was showing them something profound: His presence was for them!

The lowest of the low in society, God’s glory manifested through the Angel, around them! These were not religious, pious people and yet God’s glory was around them!

“They were filled with great fear”

φόβον μέγαν - phoban meg-an

But the angel's response was the same as the angel's to Mary.

FEAR NOT!

Good advice! God is someone to be feared. Even so, He desires to have a relationship with His creation - with you.

By the way……

FEAR NOT - appears some 365 times throughout the bible. One reminder for each day of the year!

If we have a proper view of God, we will fear Him. And, we will fear nothing else.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Their fear was real—being in the presence of God’s glory is no small thing.

But the angel’s words bring reassurance and hope.

This wasn’t a message of judgment or terror; it was the announcement of peace—peace that God was bringing to a waiting world.

The Messiah was actually on his way!

Isn’t it amazing to think about that these shepherds, who cared for the sheep that would be sacrificed for the sins of Israel where the first ones to hear about the birth of the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world.

In light of this, maybe it was appropriate for the Angels to give their announcement to these men first!

But the reality was these shepherds were terrified.

And you would have been too.

An Angel of GOD was there to announce this monumental event.

What they had yet to realize was the simple fact that God was in this.

And because He was, there was no reason to be filled with great fear.

After all it was the Angel of the Lord that appeared to them and God’s glory was obvious.

“The fear of the Lord is not the terror of judgment but the awe of His overwhelming majesty and holiness. The shepherds trembled because they were in the presence of something infinitely greater than themselves.” - A.W. Tozer

And God is greater than anything you are facing.

What is terrifying you right now?

I have a secret for you to work through it.

Whatever it is, there is a Sovereign God who has allowed it to happen to you.

He is not out of control.

He is working His plan.

Sometimes His plan is terrifying and doesn’t always make sense.

But it is His plan, His way, and you can trust Him because He is good!

These realities about God can help us navigate through those times that are frightening.

“The shepherds’ fear was a reminder that we are not in control, that something bigger than us is at work. This fear humbles us and opens us to the grace of God.” - Tim Keller

You, my friend, are not in control.

There is SOMEONE at work. If you are going to fear, fear God but then trust Him.

Why? Because He is working together a beautiful plan that is transforming us into His children.

Review - Jesus is the peace this world needs

The Shepherds’ Fear

2. The Announcement of Peace (v. 10-12)

Luke 2:10–11 (ESV)

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.

In case you haven’t noticed, life is full of trouble. Job put it this way:

Job 14:1 (NLT)

“How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble!

We go through our days not knowing what to expect.

Maybe today brings a terrible car accident, or maybe divorce papers show up unexpectedly.

Perhaps you’ll lose your job without warning.

Life is unpredictable, and if we dwell on all the potential troubles, we might never leave the safety of our homes.

But here’s the good news:

God knows!

God understands!

God has a plan to deliver you from trouble and fill your heart with peace!

Doesn’t the word peace stir something in your soul?

Just saying it can bring a sense of hope and stillness to a troubled heart.

After all, peace is the absence of fear.

When we struggle with anxiety and worry, deep down, what we’re really craving is peace—true tranquility.

We long for the war in our souls to cease.

We yearn to break free from the terror of what might happen tomorrow.

God knows this about us, and in His love, He gave us the ultimate answer to our fear—the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

So it is compelling that the first words out of the mouth of the angel is…

“Do not be afraid; I bring you good news…”

The arrival of Jesus brings peace to those who are waiting on God.

Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord represents God’s peace for humanity.

This Angel is sharing the “good news” to the shepherds. And the “good news” is “of great joy.”

μεγάλην χαρὰν - Great, loud/Joy, be glad

Not just a little joy, but of GREAT joy.

When is the last time you experienced GREAT JOY?

At the wedding of a loved one?

The birth of a child or grand child?

We had some great joy a few weeks back when our little granddaughter, Giana had some news for us.

Big Sister!

Both Angie and my hearts were overflowing with GREAT JOY!

But friends, the joy the Angel was speaking of was greater than the greatest joy we could ever hope to experience in this life!

The reason this message is so joyous is because it is all about our deliverance from eternal Hell.

Yes, there is a real and literal Hell.

Yes, people go there.

Yes, they go their for all of eternity.

But!

There is a way to be delivered from this reality. And that is because a Savior was delivered to us. This is great joy!

Luke 2:11 (ESV)

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

This message is first to the Jews (“to all the people”), but we know that the good news wasn’t just for the Jews, it was for all tribes, tongues, and nations.

Romans 1:16 (ESV)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Why would the Jews need a Savior?

Where is the city of David?

Bethlehem - In Micah 5:2 it was long ago prophesied that the Messiah would be from there.

Micah 5:2 (ESV)

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Christ = “anointed one” “sent to redeem the world”

Lord = “I am” “Yahweh”

How would the Shepherds know?

Luke 2:12 (ESV)

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Swaddling Cloths

Bands of cloth used to wrap an infant or to set a broken limb. After a cloth was folded around the infant, strips of cloth were wound around the child from the navel to the feet. The custom assumed that the restricted movement of the child’s legs would strengthen them. In Luke 2:7, 12 Mary’s swaddling of the infant Jesus is part of the sign that the angels provide the shepherds to identify Jesus as the Messiah. The cloths also signify that Jesus had received proper parental care. - Emily Cheney

Unfortunately familiarity breeds contempt. Many of us here this morning have heard this story our entire lives.

But imagine if this were the first time you had ever heard that God sent heavenly angels to announce the birth of His Son so that He might save His people from the consequences of their sin.

Simply breathtaking!

What does Christmas mean? Is it not the time of year when men are reminded of Christ the Savior’s birth? Are you not told to remember how Jesus came into the world to save sinners? All this is true. There is no denying it. The birth of Christ the Savior—the manhood of Christ the Savior—the salvation provided by Christ the Savior—all these are mighty facts. But after all will they profit you anything? Will they do you any good? In one word—shall you be saved?

J.C. Ryle

This is the word - Saved! And to be saved means to have peace with God.

This, after all, is humanities biggest problem. We are at war with God.

Why? Because we have sinned or broken all of His commands and therefore He is obligated to punish us for eternity.

But, because of the birth, life, atoning death, and resurrection of Christ, you no longer need to be at war with God. He desires peace with you.

He desires a right relationship with you. This is why God sent His Son - to rescue us from HIS wrath.

John 3:36 (ESV)

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Your biggest problem in this life is God’s wrath against you.

But God, in His love, provided the ultimate solution in Jesus, who bore that wrath so you could receive His righteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

This is true peace—the peace only available through the Prince of Peace.

How can you obtain it?

Peace with God comes through repentance and belief: turning from sin and trusting fully in Jesus.

Repentance + Belief = Peace with God

Could this be why peace feels elusive to you today?

Are you searching for peace in avenues that cannot satisfy?

Millions of people believe peace comes through money, power, control, food, alcohol, drugs, relationships, or knowledge.

These and other things are pale substitutes for what is true peace—having Christ as your Lord, Savior, and friend.

We have peace with God by the righteousness of Christ, and peace of conscience by the fruits of righteousness in ourselves.

Thomas Manton

What are you using in your life to try and find PEACE?

Hear me, nothing will ever satisfy in your life other than a true and right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

So let me ask you: Are you at peace with God today?

Do you know for certain that your sins are forgiven, and that you’re His child?

If not, don’t let this moment pass you by.

Right here, right now, you can turn to Him.

Repent of your sins, place your trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, and receive the peace that only He can give.

In a few moments, I’ll pray, and if you want to make that decision, talk to me or someone here after the service.

But don’t wait.

The Prince of Peace offers this gift to you today.

If you do, God will give you a peace that passes all understanding that will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

Review - Jesus is the peace this world needs

The Shepherds’ Fear

The Announcement of Peace

3. Glory to God and Peace on Earth (v. 13-14)

When the Angel finished saying these things, something spectacular happened…

Luke 2:13–14 (ESV)

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!”

Okay, put yourself in the shoes of the shepherds.

One angel making an announcement is astonishing enough.

But do you see what happened next?

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host…”

The MacArthur Study Bible (Chapter 2)

Host. A term used to describe an army encampment. Christ also used military imagery to describe the angels in Matt. 26:53. Revelation 5:11 suggests that the number of the angelic host may be too large for the human mind to fathom. Note that here the heavenly army brought a message of peace and goodwill (v. 14).

They are called a host, i.e. ‘army’, paradoxically an army that announces peace…First they speak of Glory to God, a necessary preliminary to real peace on earth.

Leon Morris

Can you imagine this scene? It must have blown their minds.

What would you do if all of a sudden this room were filled with fiery angels?

Obviously this doesn’t happen all the time.

So why now?

For thousands of years, the Jews waited for their promised rescuer—the Messiah. Now, He was finally coming.

The vast multitude of angels underscored the magnitude of the announcement.

This kind of angelic response spoke to how big a deal this announcement was.

After all the angels showed up in force, they had a powerful message to communicate.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.”

This is a very interesting phrase for a few reasons.

First, the Angels said it they didn’t sing it. (Job 38:7)

Second, the angels praise God, revealing that peace with God is linked to glorifying Him.

The angel's message makes something clear: peace on earth isn’t just about the absence of conflict—it’s about the presence of God’s glory.

When God is glorified, true peace follows, because peace flows from being in right relationship with Him.

Do you understand this phrase?

With whom is God pleased? His children.

Are all people God’s children? No.

How does one become a child of God?

By repenting of one’s sin and believing the “good news.”

So, this time of year when we wish for peace on earth, what we are really hoping for is for all people to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

What peace can they have who are not at peace with God?

Matthew Henry

And so we read the words of the angels one more time…

Luke 2:14 (ESV)

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

This sentence of both and praise and prayer from the vast number of heavenly hosts.

God who is above all things. Who is greater than every created thing or being is given all the glory.

What is glory?

Glory is the radiance of God's greatness, beauty, and majesty.

It is the honor and worship due to Him because of who He is and all He has done.

It reflects His infinite worth and supreme authority over all creation.

Like the Angels who constantly declare God’s worth, so must we in everything we say and do.

And as verse 14 concludes, we must pursue the peace that only God can give.

We can only obtain that peace if He is please with us.

He is only please with us when we are “in Christ” and He is “in us.”

This is only possible through repentance and belief.

1 John 1:9 (ESV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This is where the peace you long for resides.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace …” They go together. If you want peace on earth, you have to be giving glory to God in the highest.

Timothy Keller

So, how do we respond to this incredible announcement of glory to God and peace on earth?

Let me give you three ways to apply this truth to your life:

Reflect on the Glory of God I want to challenge you to consider this: Is your life glorifying God?

Are the words you speak, the actions you take, and the attitudes you carry reflecting the greatness of God’s glory?

The angels declared His glory because they understood who He is—His power, His majesty, and His goodness.

What about you?

This week, take time to reflect on how you can glorify God in your daily life.

Maybe it’s through gratitude, through obedience, or through sharing His love with others.

Let everything you say and do point to the worth of God.

Seek True Peace through Christ We all long for peace, don’t we? But let me remind you: peace isn’t just the absence of conflict.

It’s the presence of reconciliation with God.

The angels said, “Peace among those with whom He is pleased.”

That peace is only possible when we repent of our sin and put our faith in Christ.

So, let me ask you: Are you at peace with God today?

Do you know for certain that you’re His child?

If not, don’t leave here without making that right.

True peace can only be found in Jesus.

Glory and Peace Go Together Did you notice how glory and peace are linked in the angels’ message? “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace…”

Here’s the truth: if you want peace in your life, it starts with giving God the glory He deserves.

When we glorify Him, peace naturally flows.

That might mean trusting Him in a hard situation, forgiving someone who’s hurt you, or praising Him even when life feels overwhelming.

Where in your life do you need to start giving God glory so His peace can take root?

Review - Jesus is the peace this world needs

The Shepherds’ Fear

The Announcement of Peace

Glory to God and Peace on Earth

Conclusion

As we reflect on the shepherds’ story, we see the connection between God’s glory and His peace.

This peace isn’t just for us to keep—it’s meant to be shared.

That’s why, as we conclude, I want to challenge you to take this message of peace and share it with others.

You’ve been called to be an ambassador of Christ, someone who carries the message of reconciliation to the world.

Think about it: Who in your life needs to hear about this peace?

Maybe it’s a family member, a friend, or a coworker.

Let’s not keep the message of peace to ourselves.

This Christmas, let’s glorify God by sharing the gift of peace, because Jesus is the peace this world desperately needs."