The Promise of Peace

Luke 2:8–14

Introduction

Christmas is a season filled with the word peace. We see it on Christmas cards… hear it in carols… display it in decorations. But if you look around, peace seems to be the one thing the world doesn’t actually have.

Nations are at war. Homes are in conflict. Hearts are anxious. People are weary.

And it’s into that world—not a quiet world, not a peaceful world, but a broken world—that God sent His Son. The message of Christmas begins not in a palace but in a pasture. Not with kings, but with shepherds. Not with the powerful, but with the poor.

Our passage this morning shows us that the promise of Christmas is the promise of peace, and that peace is not an idea, not an emotion, not a circumstance—peace is a Person, Jesus Christ.

Let’s read the text:

Luke 2:8–14 NKJV

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

This morning, from this passage, I want to show you three movements of God’s peace.

I. PEACE ANNOUNCED TO THE LOWLY (vv. 8–9)

The first announcement of Jesus’ birth did not go to Caesar. It didn’t go to the high priest. It didn’t go to the wealthy or the powerful.

It went to shepherds.

Why shepherds?

In the first century, shepherds were:

Overlooked — they were not considered important.

Unclean — they lived with animals and were ceremonially defiled.

Unlikely — nobody expected God to speak to them.

But isn’t that just like God? He bypasses the proud and draws near to the humble.

God delights to meet people right where they are—especially when where they are is low.

These men were doing ordinary work on an ordinary night… and Heaven broke in.

Application: Some of you feel overlooked… unwanted… unworthy. But Christmas reminds us: God sees you. God comes to you. God speaks peace over you.

The angel appeared, and Scripture says:

“The glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.”

Why? Because when sinful man meets holy God, the natural response is fear.

Transition: But fear is not where God leaves them. God moves from fear to peace through His message.

II. PEACE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE SAVIOR (vv. 10–11)

The angel’s first words are:

“Fear not.”

Those two words summarize why Jesus came.

“Fear not” — peace for our hearts

Why fear not?

Guilt brings fear

Sin brings fear

Judgment brings fear

Separation from God brings fear

But the angel says, “Fear not,” because the Savior has come to remove the reason for fear.

“I bring you good tidings of great joy” — peace for our souls

The gospel is not advice or instruction—it is good news. News of what God has done, not what man must do.

And this good news brings great joy, not temporary happiness.

And who is it for?

“Which shall be to all people.”

Not just the clean. Not just the religious. Not just the strong. To all people.

“Unto you is born this day… a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” — peace through His person

These three titles are the foundation of Christian peace:

Savior — He rescues us from sin. He didn’t come to be a mere teacher or example—He came to save.

Christ — He is God’s promised Messiah. He fulfills every prophecy, satisfies every requirement, and completes every promise.

Lord — He is the sovereign King. Not a baby to be pitied, but a King to be worshiped.

Peace does not come from avoiding problems; it comes from knowing the Person who has power over them.

Transition: The angel’s message begins with peace for the shepherds—but Heaven’s message does not stop with them. God widens the circle.

III. PEACE AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD (v. 14)

The angelic choir appears and declares:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

“Peace on earth” — God’s offer

This is not a political peace the world can negotiate. This is not a sentimental peace the world talks about at Christmas.

This is peace with God, made possible through the cross of Christ.

Romans 5:1 says:

Romans 5:1 NKJV

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

“Goodwill toward men” — God’s heart

God is not against you. God is for you. God’s good will—His gracious intention—is toward humanity.

Peace is not a feeling; it is a Person

You don’t find peace by running from trouble. You find peace by running to Jesus.

You don’t get peace by controlling circumstances. You get peace by surrendering to Christ.

You don’t experience peace by fixing your life. You experience peace by giving Him your life.

Where Jesus reigns, peace remains.

Transition into Invitation: The shepherds heard the message, believed the message, and acted on the message. And when they did, they found the Savior.

Conclusion / Invitation

The promise of Christmas is the promise of peace—real peace.

Not peace that ignores the storm, but peace that outlasts the storm.

Not peace based on circumstance, but peace based on Christ.

This morning, the same God who sent angels to shepherds is speaking to you:

“Fear not… for unto you is born a Savior.”

If your heart is troubled, Jesus brings peace. If your life is broken, Jesus brings peace. If your soul is restless, Jesus brings peace.

The peace of God begins with peace with God— and peace with God begins at the feet of Jesus.

Come to the One who came for you. Receive the Savior. Receive the peace He purchased. Receive the Christ of Christmas.

Invitation: Would you say “yes” to Jesus today? The Prince of Peace is here—and He offers Himself to you.