Isaiah 9:6-7 – 6 -- For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (New Living Translation)

Luke 2:8-14 – 8 -- That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (New Living Translation)

What the Shepherds Tell Us about God’s Peace

• The peace of Christ is for __________________

Luke 2:8 – That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. (New Living Translation)

• Peace is not the absence of __________________; it is the presence of _____

Luke 2:13-14 – 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (New Living Translation)

• God’s favor come from being at _______________ with God

Romans 8:6-7 – 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. (New Living Translation