ADVENT: Peace (2)

Luke 1:26 CSB

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

INTRO—

What Christmas song would you say is ‘most peaceful?’…

[[Stille Nacht — Mannheim Steamroller … SOOO peaceful!]]

“The Messiah” (Handel)… “For Unto Us a Child is Born”

Isaiah 9:6 “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

True, Lasting, Comforting…PEACE…comes to us because of Christmas!

Christmas Peace [Luke 1.26-38]

MARY

Luke 1:28–29 “And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.” [context: Luke 1.26-27]

She was deeply troubled

‘Deeply Troubled’ — terrified; overcome with fear; (quite unusual for an angel to greet a woman, et al.)

Luke 1:30 “Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” [& Luke 1.31-33, 37]

Do not be afraid

‘Afraid’ — phobos; ‘standard’ fear; acknowledges what Mary feels…but is like: “don’t even be a little afraid”

Angel/Gabriel shares the plan with her…& further question from Mary. [Luke 1.31-36]

Gabriel’s emphatic declaration = Luke 1:37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:38 ““See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.”

May it happen to me as you have said

‘May It Happen’ — come to be; take place; willing submission to this message

‘As You Have Said’ — rhema; as you have revealed; like: “According to the word”

Continuing Peace [Philippians 4.6-7]

CHRISTIANS...US!

Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Don’t worry about anything

‘Don’t worry’ — in no way [IMP, command] should you worry about; this is not carelessness/recklessness (God just isn’t that way!)

“That’s easy to say…from prison…! (?)”

Through prayer and petition with thanksgiving

‘Through prayer’ — prayer, generally & specifically; request & praise/thanks; “…submit your requests to God”!!!

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

AND THE PEACE OF GOD…IN CHRIST JESUS

Surpasses all understanding

‘Surpasses’ — two poss: (1) passes all power of comprehension, (2) excels everything in relieving worry; transcends

Will guard your hearts and minds

‘Will guard’ — a sentinel, guardian; a military term (guard duty)

CONCL—

BLESSED ARE…

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” [& Romans 12.18]

What we do. [live the peace we enjoy (& long for personally)…for others, too.]

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.”

Who we are. [dependent on God, trusting him]

INVITATION:

Salvation

Peace […]

Prepare for the LORD’S SUPPER

LORD’S SUPPER

BODY OF CHRIST (The Bread)

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks,

broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.””

BLOOD OF CHRIST (The Cup)

1 Corinthians 11:25 “In the same way also he took the cup, after supper,

and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.””

PROMISE OF CHRIST (The Return)

1 Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Philippians 4:7 CSB

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.