Candle of Peace Advent Continued

Sermon: "The Bethlehem Candle: Journeying Toward God’s Peace"

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You this morning with hearts full of anticipation as we celebrate this second Sunday of Advent. Thank You for the gift of peace that comes through Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. As we light the Bethlehem Candle, we remember the journey of Mary and Joseph, the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth, and the profound truth that Your peace is not dependent on our circumstances but on Your presence with us.

Open our hearts today to receive the peace that only You can give. Quiet our minds from the distractions and anxieties of life, and help us trust in Your plan, even when the path seems unclear. Fill us with the courage to be peacemakers in a divided world, and use this time of worship to draw us closer to You. May Your Word inspire us, Your Spirit guide us, and Your love transform us as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 Theme: The second Sunday of Advent focuses on peace, represented by the Bethlehem Candle, which reminds us of Mary and Joseph's journey and the peace Christ brings to a broken world.

Introduction Welcome to the second Sunday of Advent! Today, we light the Bethlehem Candle, which represents peace. This candle symbolizes the peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brought into the world at His birth. It reminds us of the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem—a journey marked by faith, uncertainty, and anticipation of God’s promises.

Peace can feel elusive in our world today. From global conflicts to personal struggles, we long for the kind of peace that goes beyond the absence of conflict—a deep, abiding peace that transforms our hearts, restores our relationships, and renews our hope. This morning, we will reflect on the peace Christ offers and how we can experience and share it as His followers.

History

The story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus takes place during a pivotal moment in Jewish history, under Roman occupation. After centuries of oppression, exile, and longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises, the Jewish people were living under the rule of the Roman Empire, which controlled their land through governors like Herod the Great. Herod, a client king of Rome, was known for his political cunning and cruelty.

At this time, Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census, requiring all people to return to their ancestral towns for registration. For Joseph, a descendant of King David, this meant traveling to Bethlehem, the City of David, with his betrothed, Mary. Mary was carrying the child conceived by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling angelic proclamations that this child would be the long-awaited Messiah. This journey not only fulfilled the Roman administrative requirements but also God’s prophetic plan, as foretold in Micah 5:2, that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, a small but significant town in Judea. These events set the stage for the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, into a world desperately in need of hope and restoration.

I. The Journey to Bethlehem: Trusting God’s Plan for Peace

Read Luke 2:1-5

Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem was not a journey of convenience. It was long, challenging, and fraught with uncertainty. Yet, it was part of God’s plan to fulfill His promises.

Peace in the Midst of Uncertainty Mary and Joseph faced many unknowns. They didn’t know where they would stay or what awaited them in Bethlehem, yet they moved forward in faith. This journey reminds us that peace is not found in perfect circumstances but in trusting God’s sovereignty.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” Peace begins when we trust that God is in control, even when life feels uncertain or chaotic.

God’s Plan for Peace in Bethlehem Their journey fulfilled the prophecy of Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” God’s peace was woven into the plan long before Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. Their journey was not accidental; it was divinely appointed.

Explanation: Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, mandated by a Roman decree, was a difficult and uncertain trek. Yet, it was necessary to fulfill the prophecy of Micah 5:2, which foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Despite the hardships, their journey illustrates trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises.

Argumentation: If Mary and Joseph had doubted or refused to follow the decree, the prophecy would not have been fulfilled as foretold. Their obedience demonstrates that peace is not found in avoiding challenges but in trusting God through them. Isaiah 26:3 teaches us that God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust Him. Their journey reveals how trusting in God's plan brings about His peace, even amid uncertainty.

Application: We all face moments of uncertainty and difficulty in our own "journeys." Trusting God during these times can feel challenging, but His peace is available to us when we rely on Him. Ask yourself: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more? How can you surrender your fears and anxieties to Him?

Illustration: Imagine a child holding tightly to their parent’s hand while walking through a dark tunnel. The child may be scared, but they trust their parent to lead them safely to the other side. Similarly, Mary and Joseph trusted God to guide them through their uncertain journey to Bethlehem, and we are called to trust Him in our own lives.

II. The Birth in Bethlehem: The Arrival of Peace

Read Luke 2:6-7

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room for them in the inn. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was born in the humblest of circumstances—a stable—and laid in a manger.

Peace in Humility The humility of Jesus’ birth teaches us that peace is not tied to wealth, power, or status. Jesus came not as a conquering king but as a vulnerable child, showing us that true peace is found in humility and dependence on God.

Philippians 2:6-7 reminds us, “[Jesus] made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Peace begins when we set aside pride and submit to God’s will.

The Angels’ Proclamation of Peace When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they declared, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). This peace is not a worldly peace but a divine peace that reconciles humanity to God and brings wholeness to our lives.

Explanation: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was born in a stable and laid in a manger because there was no room for Him in the inn. This humble birth reflects the nature of God's peace: it is not dependent on worldly power, wealth, or status. Peace is found in the presence of God, not in the absence of hardship.

Argumentation: The world expected a mighty king, but Jesus came as a humble servant. This was God’s deliberate choice to show that His kingdom operates differently from the world’s systems. Philippians 2:6-7 reminds us that Jesus “made himself nothing” to bring peace. True peace comes from embracing God’s values of humility, service, and love.

Application: Consider how you view peace in your life. Do you seek peace through external comforts, like financial security or career success, or do you find it in the presence of God? This Advent season, focus on humbling yourself before God and allowing His peace to fill your heart.

Illustration: Think of a snow globe. When shaken, the flakes swirl chaotically, but when left still, they settle, revealing a peaceful scene inside. The stable in Bethlehem was far from a palace, yet it became the center of God’s peace because Jesus was there. Likewise, peace begins in our hearts when we invite Jesus into the center of our lives.

III. The Promise of Peace: Restoring What Was Broken

The Bethlehem Candle also reminds us of the brokenness that plagued Israel after the fall of the kingdom in the Old Testament. Division, destruction, and exile left God’s people longing for the peace of restoration.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Jesus, saying: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus’ mission was to restore what was broken—peace between God and humanity and peace within our hearts.

Reconciliation and Wholeness Biblical peace, or shalom, means completeness and wholeness. Through Christ, we are reconciled to God, and this reconciliation becomes the foundation for peace in every area of life. Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Explanation: The Bethlehem Candle reminds us of the division, destruction, and dispersion of God’s people in the Old Testament. The birth of Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to bring lasting peace, or shalom, to a broken world. This peace involves reconciliation with God and restoration of all creation.

Argumentation: Isaiah 9:6 proclaims Jesus as the "Prince of Peace," whose government and peace will have no end. Unlike temporary peace treaties or fragile worldly alliances, the peace Jesus brings restores what sin has broken. Romans 5:1 declares that we have peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, showing that this peace starts with our reconciliation to God.

Application: Reconciliation with God is the foundation of true peace. If there are areas in your life where you feel distant from God, take time this week to confess, pray, and renew your relationship with Him. Likewise, consider how you can extend this peace to those you may be at odds with.

Illustration: A broken vase can seem irreparable, but a skilled artist can restore it, making it even more beautiful. Similarly, God’s peace restores our broken lives, relationships, and world. Through Jesus, what seems lost can be redeemed and made whole.

IV. Living in and Sharing Christ’s Peace

Advent is not only a time to reflect on the peace Christ brings but also a time to live it out.

Receiving the Peace of Christ Jesus offers us personal peace that surpasses all understanding. In John 14:27, He said, “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.” This peace is available to all who place their trust in Him.

Extending Peace to Others As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” During this Advent season, how can we bring peace to our relationships, our communities, and our world?

Proclaiming the Peace of Christ The shepherds who witnessed Jesus’ birth didn’t keep the news to themselves—they shared it with everyone they encountered. In the same way, we are called to proclaim the peace of Christ, especially during this season of hope and anticipation.

Explanation: As recipients of Christ’s peace, we are called to live in it and share it with others. This includes experiencing personal peace, being peacemakers in our relationships, and proclaiming the message of Christ’s peace to the world.

Argumentation: Jesus said in John 14:27, “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.” His peace is a gift, but it is also a calling. Matthew 5:9 reminds us that peacemakers will be called children of God, showing that living in peace is a hallmark of Christian discipleship.

Application: Reflect on how you can be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or community. Are there conflicts you need to address with grace and humility? Additionally, consider how you can share the message of Christ’s peace this Advent season, whether through acts of kindness, sharing your faith, or helping those in need.

Illustration: Think of a candle lighting another candle. The light doesn’t diminish but grows stronger as it spreads. In the same way, sharing Christ’s peace doesn’t take away from our own; it multiplies, bringing light and hope to a world in darkness.

Conclusion

As we light the Bethlehem Candle, let us reflect on the journey of Mary and Joseph and the peace that Jesus brought into the world. Their story teaches us that peace is not found in perfect circumstances but in trusting God, embracing humility, and living out the message of Christ’s love.

This Advent, may we prepare our hearts to receive the Prince of Peace and commit to being instruments of His peace in a broken world. Let us remember that the journey toward peace begins with Christ, who came to restore all things and bring us into the fullness of God’s shalom.

Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of peace that comes through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we continue our journey through Advent, help us to trust in Your plan, experience the peace that only You can give, and share that peace with those around us. May we live as people of peace, pointing others to the hope and restoration found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.