The Gift of Advent Peace [Luke 2:13-14] [Peace]

Introduction

Church, on that first Christmas night, heaven broke open and the angels sang: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all people!”

Notice that peace was the first announcement of the birth of Christ. Not war. Not judgment. Not condemnation. But peace!

And I don’t know about you, but we live in a world that desperately needs peace. Peace in our streets. Peace in our homes. Peace in our minds. Peace in our communities.

The good news of Advent is this: When Jesus came, He brought heaven’s peace down to earth.

Let’s look at three movements of this Advent Peace:

Peace with God

Peace within ourselves

Peace with one another

Point 1: Advent Gives Us Peace with God

The angels’ song announced reconciliation. Jesus came to heal the broken relationship between humanity and God.

Illustration: Think about when a child breaks something in the house, and they hide from their parent. They feel distant, fearful, cut off. But when the parent forgives and embraces, peace is restored. That’s what God did through Christ.

Through sin we were estranged, but through Jesus we have peace with God.

Application:

You don’t have to walk in guilt or shame. Jesus came so you could have peace with your Creator.

Advent peace means you can pray boldly, worship freely, and live knowing God is on your side.

Call and Response: “I’ve got peace with God!”

Point 2: Advent Gives Us Peace Within Ourselves

Peace is not only external—it’s internal. Jesus came to calm the storms inside us.

Illustration: Have you ever laid down at night but couldn’t sleep because your mind was racing? Bills, problems, worries, fears? Peace is when God whispers, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Our ancestors knew this peace. Even in chains, they sang: “Deep down in my soul, I’ve got peace.”

Application:

Young people: You don’t have to live with constant anxiety.

Adults: Even in the grind and pressure, God offers inner calm.

Elders: You can rest in knowing God has kept you this far and won’t let you go.

Call and Response: Somebody shout—“Peace in my mind, peace in my heart!”

Point 3: Advent Gives Us Peace with One Another

The angels didn’t just sing about personal peace, but about peace on earth. Jesus came to reconcile communities, tribes, and nations.

Illustration: Family reunions sometimes have tension—old grudges, old wounds. But when forgiveness comes, laughter breaks out and fellowship is restored. That’s peace.

Advent peace is not passive—it’s active. It means justice, fairness, healing, and community wholeness.

Application:

In our homes: Let Advent be a time to let go of grudges.

In our church: Let Advent be a time to strengthen unity.

In our world: Let Advent be a time to work for justice and peace in the streets.

Call and Response: Say it with me: “We need peace on earth!”

Celebratory Close

Church, Advent peace is not a fairy tale—it’s a promise fulfilled in Jesus.

Peace with God—because Jesus reconciled us.

Peace within—because Jesus calms our fears.

Peace with one another—because Jesus calls us into unity and justice.

The angels sang it then, and we can sing it now: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!”

And I came to tell somebody:

When storms rage—He is your peace.

When your heart is troubled—He is your peace.

When the world is in chaos—He is still your peace.

Call and Response Celebration:

If He’s been your peace in the storm—say yes!

If He’s been your calm in the midnight hour—say yes!

If you know He’s the Prince of Peace—give Him praise!

Because Advent declares: Peace has come, peace is here, and peace will never leave!

Now give God your best shout of praise for the Gift of Advent Peace!