Advent

Peace

Sermon Title: The Peace of Christ: The Prince of Peace

Primary Text: Isaiah 9:6-7 Complementary Texts: Luke 2:13-14, Colossians 1:19-20, John 14:27

Sermon Outline:

1. Introduction: Advent and Peace

Briefly recap the theme of Advent as a season of waiting and reflection, emphasizing the longing for peace in a broken world. Mention how the world often misunderstands peace as merely the absence of conflict, but biblical peace (shalom) is much deeper—completeness, wholeness, and harmony with God and creation.

2. Isaiah’s Prophecy: The Coming Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6-7 "For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

Context of the Prophecy:

Isaiah prophesied during a turbulent time in Israel’s history, filled with war, oppression, and despair. The promise of a coming Prince of Peace provided hope for restoration. The titles in this prophecy—"Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Eternal Father," and "Prince of Peace"—point to the Messiah’s divine authority and mission.

The Prince of Peace:

The title "Prince of Peace" reveals the nature of Christ’s kingdom: not one of earthly power but of divine reconciliation and spiritual renewal. Jesus fulfills this prophecy by bringing peace in three dimensions: peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others.

3. Fulfillment in Christ: The Peace He Brings

Luke 2:13-14 "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

Peace with God:

Colossians 1:19-20: "For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross." Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, we are reconciled to God. This is the ultimate peace humanity longs for—the restoration of the broken relationship between Creator and creation.

Peace in Our Hearts:

John 14:27: "Peace I leave you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor let it be fearful." The peace Jesus gives is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in His presence and promises.

Peace Among People:

Ephesians 2:14: "For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall." Christ’s work extends beyond individual peace to the restoration of relationships, breaking down divisions and uniting people under His lordship.

4. The Already and Ongoing Fulfillment of Peace

The Already:

With Christ’s first coming, the kingdom of God was inaugurated. His life, death, resurrection, and ascension established His lordship over all creation. As the Prince of Peace, He has reconciled His people to God, and His kingdom is now advancing throughout the world. Believers are currently experiencing the blessings of this peace in their relationship with God and in the gradual transformation of the world as the Gospel spreads. The church is called to be an active participant in this kingdom work, serving as ambassadors of peace and righteousness.

The Ongoing Fulfillment:

The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), growing steadily into a vast and life-giving reality. The peace foretold by Isaiah is being progressively realized as Christ’s reign spreads through the preaching of the Gospel, the discipling of nations, and the transformation of societies. The not yet is not a future apocalyptic overthrow but the culmination of Christ’s already-established kingdom as it brings all things into subjection to Him. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, "For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be abolished is death." This peace is not limited to personal salvation but extends to the restoration of culture, institutions, and nations, fulfilling the promise of Isaiah 9:7: "There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace."

Living in the Kingdom Now:

The church is not waiting for peace to arrive in the future but is called to work toward its manifestation now. By proclaiming the Gospel and living out Christ’s teachings, we participate in the expansion of His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

Historical Support: The Gospel’s Advance and the Kingdom’s Growth

The Early Church and the Roman Empire:

In the first centuries after Christ’s ascension, the Gospel spread throughout the Roman Empire despite intense persecution. The early church’s commitment to Christ’s teachings—caring for the poor, opposing infanticide, and promoting moral reform—gradually influenced Roman culture. By the time of Constantine’s conversion (AD 312), Christianity had become a powerful force for change, replacing pagan practices with the worship of the true God. Isaiah’s vision of increasing peace (Isaiah 9:7) began to be realized as Christian ethics reshaped the empire.

The Conversion of Nations in Europe:

During the Middle Ages, missionaries like St. Patrick in Ireland and St. Boniface in Germany carried the Gospel to unreached peoples, converting entire nations. Laws and societal structures were increasingly influenced by biblical principles, advancing justice and peace. Historian Christopher Dawson highlights this transformation: "Christianity taught the world a new conception of law and order… a moral order based on the dignity of man and the solidarity of the human race."

The Reformation and the Spread of Peace:

The Protestant Reformation (16th century) not only renewed the church but also promoted literacy, education, and governance based on biblical principles. Many nations reformed their legal systems and embraced human rights derived from Christian doctrine, contributing to societal peace. The Peace of Westphalia (1648), which ended the Thirty Years' War, was heavily influenced by Protestant and Catholic leaders seeking a Christ-centered resolution to conflict.

Modern Missions and Global Impact:

The Great Awakenings (18th–19th centuries) in England and America brought massive spiritual renewal, leading to movements for abolition, education reform, and care for the marginalized. Missionaries like William Carey, David Livingstone, and Hudson Taylor carried the Gospel worldwide, planting the seeds of Christ’s kingdom across cultures. Historian Andrew Walls notes that by the 20th century, the global church had grown to encompass every continent, fulfilling the promise of Isaiah 49:6: "I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

Contemporary Evidence of Christ’s Kingdom Growth:

Today, the largest Christian population resides in the Global South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America), showing how the Gospel has moved beyond its origins to transform diverse cultures. The United Nations recognizes that global poverty has decreased dramatically in the last century, and many attribute this progress to the influence of Christian-led humanitarian efforts and the spread of Gospel principles promoting human dignity and stewardship.

The history of the church testifies to the ongoing fulfillment of Isaiah 9:7: "There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace." Through the church, Christ’s reign has brought transformation and hope, shaping societies and advancing His kingdom across the globe. This historical evidence strengthens our confidence that the Prince of Peace is reigning now, and His kingdom will continue to grow until all things are fully restored under His lordship.

5. Practical Application: Living as Ambassadors of Peace

Personal Peace: Surrender your fears, anxieties, and conflicts to Christ. Trust in His promises and let His peace rule in your heart. Relational Peace: Pursue reconciliation in broken relationships. Be peacemakers in your families, communities, and churches. Global Peace: Pray for the spread of the Gospel, which brings true peace to all nations. Support missions and acts of justice that reflect Christ’s kingdom.

6. Conclusion: Peace That Surpasses Understanding

End with an exhortation to trust in the Prince of Peace, who has come and will come again. Tie back to Isaiah’s prophecy, showing how the hope of the past has become the reality of the present and the promise of the future. Quote Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."