The Peace at Christmas
Christmas Series 2024 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 18 viewsBethlehem Candle symbolizing peace and Mary and Joseph traveling
Notes
Transcript
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
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,
Good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Beth-lehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Introduction
Introduction
As we looked last week at the Hope at Christmas, so this week we will see the Peace at Christmas. What is peace? Why do we need it? How can we get it?
I remember as a child listening to Christmas music around the Christmas tree. Quite a few of the songs mentioned peace. Some wished for peace on earth as their “one gift” at Christmas. Others had a desire for peace among lost loves or missing family members.
We see the desire for peace in Christmas movies as well. Why is peace so missing around Christmas time? Is it only at Christmas we notice that peace is needed?
In an article written for the New York Times, Chris Hedges wrote in 2003,
What is a war? War is defined as an active conflict that has claimed more than 1,000 lives. Has the world ever been at peace? Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them, or just 8 percent of recorded history. How many people have died in war? At least 108 million people were killed in wars in the twentieth century. Estimates for the total number killed in wars throughout all of human history range from 150 million to 1 billion. War has several other effects on population, including decreasing the birthrate by taking men away from their wives. The reduced birthrate during World War II is estimated to have caused a population deficit of more than 20 million people.
-https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/06/books/chapters/what-every-person-should-know-about-war.html
People are longing for peace. Peace is a better world. Peace is a more simple world. Peace is a quieter world.
1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching A Boutonniere of Peace
England’s William Gladstone is not only recognized as one of the more perceptive statesmen of all time, but also as a persistent apostle of peace. One day as the courageous man stood in Parliament arguing for the freedom of Ireland, a rose dropped from the lapel of his coat. After Gladstone had left the chamber, a fellow member of the House retrieved it, saying: “It keeps me mindful of a great heart pleading for a better world.”
Declaration
Declaration
While peace on earth is laudable, peace inside is invaluable. In today’s world, there will never been universal peace until Christ returns. But, in your heart and mine, there can be peace for our entire lives. Where is that peace to be found? Peace in our spiritual lives reigns when we see the fulfillment of the promises of God clearly. This morning, let’s follow the story of Mary and Joseph and look for the Peace at Christmas.
Was there Peace in the Circumstances?
Was there Peace in the Circumstances?
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Someone has said, “there are two things you can count on in life - death and taxes”. While that may be true, taxation in the ancient world was connected with the protection of the empire and the counting of people. The focus of the Christmas story is on the counting aspect of the taxation.
We see here an event that changed the lives of many people. There was a standing decree that a census was to be taken according to the command of the emperor Caesar Augustus. Augustus was an efficient administrator of his empire. Born under the name Octavius, he grew up as the favoured heir of Julius Caesar. When his uncle was assassinated, Octavius rose to the top of the nation through intrigue and victories in battle. Part of uniting the empire was knowing how many people were present in the provinces.
There seems to have been a pattern of years regarding when these counts would take place. At the time of Christ’s birth, this period was 14 years. Though not common in other places of the empire, people in Judea would travel to their homes to be counted in order to show their lineage and their family origin. This would have been an inconvenient and challenging occurence in the lives of the oppressed Jews.
In fact, one of the censuses after the birth of Christ resulted in an armed rebellion by Jewish zealots. Both Josephus and Luke record this event and its significance in the lives of the people.
After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
The Works of Josephus: New Updated Edition Chapter 8: Archelaus’s Ethnarchy Is Reduced into a [Roman] Province. The Sedition of Judas of Galilee. The Three Sects of the Jews
1. (117) And now Archelaus’s part of Judea was reduced into a province, and Coponious, one of the equestrian order among the Romans, was sent as a procurator, having the power of [life and] death put into his hands by Caesar. (118) Under his administration it was that a certain Galilean, whose name was Judas, prevailed with his countrymen to revolt; and said they were cowards if they would endure to pay a tax to the Romans, and would, after God, submit to mortal men as their lords. This man was a teacher of a peculiar sect of his own, and was not at all like the rest of those their leaders.
Was there peace in these circumstances? The answer would likely be no. How can you have peace when you are oppressed? How can you have peace when there are challenges in your life? How can you have peace when there are trials to be overcome? How can you have peace when you have to travel 70 miles south for a Roman’s census?
For the mountains shall depart,
And the hills be removed;
But my kindness shall not depart from thee,
Neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed,
Saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
God had promised that there would be peace in the midst of Israel. His covenant of peace was still in effect with His chosen people. When events affect many people, God’s peace is still available to all of His people.
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.
Was there Peace in the Journey?
Was there Peace in the Journey?
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
We see here an event that changed the lives of a few people. There was a journey that had to be made with a woman who was pregnant. We saw last week that God had spoken to Joseph and commanded him to continue to marry Mary despite her pregnancy. God gave hope to the couple that He was the One who was leading and designing the events for His glory.
There is debate regarding why Mary was required to accompany her husband to Bethlehem. Perhaps, she came because she wanted to be with her husband, especially at this time of Jesus’ birth. Whatever the reason, Mary and Joseph make the journey of about 70 miles along the road to Bethlehem.
First, they might have come to Megiddo. This city was the end of Jezreel valley known for the mountains on its borders: Mt. Tabor, Mt. Gerizim, Mt. Carmel. And here, one day, Jesus will return for His final victory at the Second Coming.
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Second, they see the city of Samaria. This city had been the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the time of the prophets. In this area, about 30 years later, Jesus would return to give the good news to a city that had been cast off and forgotten.
So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Third, they came to the town of Neapolis. This town was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Shechem. Here, God has spoken to Abraham and promised to give the land of Israel to his descendents, a promise fulfilled in the kingdom of Jesus.
And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.
Fourth, the road winds to the town of Lebonah. This was near the ancient location of the Tabernacle of God at Shiloh. God had promised that He would be with the children of Israel and that He would be their God.
Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
Fifth, they passed through Ramah. This area was the subject of prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ birth. Here, Herod would cause the death of many children born about the same time as Christ to remove a rival King.
Thus saith the Lord;
A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, and bitter weeping;
Rahel weeping for her children
Refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.
Sixth, the city of Jerusalem would have come into view. The City of the King. The place of the Temple. The future site of Christ’s throne in the Millennium.
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations
Which came against Jerusalem
Shall even go up from year to year
To worship the King, the Lord of hosts,
And to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Finally, they came to the small town of Bethlehem. Having followed the road for a week or two, they now entered the ancient birthplace of David. Here, the Messiah would be born as God had promised.
But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah,
Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;
Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
As they stayed in the city of Bethlehem, the end of the pregnancy arrived and there was an anticipation of the coming child. Was there peace in the journey to the city of Bethlehem? Is there peace in our lives when challenges come? Is there peace in following the plan and will of God?
The promises of God will eat their way over all the Alps of opposition.
Thomas Brooks
And so was the promise of God for peace in the life of the believer in Him.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on thee:
Because he trusteth in thee.
Was there Peace in the Face of the Child?
Was there Peace in the Face of the Child?
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
When did they find peace in their journey? It certainly did not seem like the occasion of their entering the city and finding a room brought peace. They found no room to stay and have the child.
The word used for “inn” here could also be a “guest room” or “guest house”. This would have been separated from the main part of the living spaces in the house. On the top of this “guest house” was a guest room for a person. On the bottom was a stable for the animals. It is possible that the room promised to Joseph and Mary was already occupied by someone else. As a result, they were forced to spend the night in the stable. We find this same Greek word in the instrucitons of Jesus.
And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
In addition, the word “manger” could refer to either a stable with a feeding trough inside or the trough itself. Jesus also uses this word later in His ministry. The manger was the place that the animal was kept warm or fed.
The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
Luke: An Introduction and Commentary Luke 2:6–7
We know only that everything points to poverty, obscurity and even rejection. There was no place for them in the inn.
Wherever they stayed, how could there be peace there? How could there be peace in the pain of childbirth or the discomfort of the lodgings? The peace was in the Promise that was seen before them. What do we find in the verses following?
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 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,
Good will toward men.
The angels send a positive wish on those who will accept. “And on earth peace, to men of good will.” God’s sovereign will is that there would be peace experienced by those who receive the salvation of the Child born that night. The peace at Christmas is Jesus and His salvation. If you want peace this Christmas, you will only find it in the faith in the finished work of Christ.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
The word “peace” here is often used for the calmness that comes from salvation. This is the calmness of the earth in the Millennium. This is the surety that we have in the Saviour of the world.
And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
In all the circumstances of life,
Peace is Found in Jesus
Peace is Found in Jesus
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Beth-lehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
After the announcement to the shepherds, they search and find the child as the angels had said. They find Mary and Joseph and the babe just as the angels had said. The prophets looked with hope for the final peace of God.
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, Counseller, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
As they go and tell of the birth, the people who heard the shepherds experienced great wonder at the word. So should be the reaction today. Christ is the peace that the world is seeking. He is the one who fulfils the desires of the nations for peace. He is the one who fulfills the desires of your inner heart for peace.
For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while,
And I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come:
And I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Conclusion
Conclusion
1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (Perfect Peace)
John Henry Newman wrote perceptively: “What is fulness of joy but peace? Joy is tumultuous only when it is not full; but peace is the privilege of those who are ‘filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.’ ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.’ ”
While peace on earth is laudable, peace inside is invaluable. In today’s world, there will never been universal peace until Christ returns. But, in your heart and mine, there can be peace for our entire lives. Where is that peace to be found? Peace in our spiritual lives reigns when we see the fulfillment of the promises of God clearly.
When did Mary and Joseph experience peace? Was it when the taxation was announced? Was it on the path to Nazareth? Was it in the city of Bethlehem? The peace happened when they saw the fulfillment of God's promises. When they looked into the face of the Saviour, they knew peace!
Jesus offers you peace today. Peace is knowing your sins are forgiven. Peace is knowing you are accepted by God. Peace is knowing you have chosen salvation.
I create the fruit of the lips;
Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord;
And I will heal him.
Find peace in the finished work of Christ for you. Whoever you may be, whatever may be your past, there is peace for you. Peace is found in the One who died on a cross for you and gives you access through His life to eternity with Him. Find your peace in your heart today on the work of Christ and who He is to you.
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.
