The Beauty of God's PEACE!

The Beauty of GOD’S PEACE! - Luke 2:1-14

PEACE = A state of tranquility or wholeness; Nonviolence; Reconciliation­.

Shalom = A pervasive (existing in or spreading through every part of something) concept in the Bible that relates to a relationship of love (A feeling of deep affection; Defines our relationship with God; Dictates how we MUST treat other (neighbors).

We see the Beauty of God’s Peace through Jesus Christ - Wholeness; Restoration; Deep Affection.

The Beauty of God’s Peace is IMPARTIAL v. 1-7

Impartial to Political Leaders…1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

NO COINCIDENCE - The highest political official could not hinder or prevent in anyway the arrival of the Messiah.

Regardless to the Political Office God remains in Control of all things.

Impartial to Personal Circumstances…VS. 3-73 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

The personal circumstances of Mary - she was pregnant; Physical discomfort.

Joseph - returning to his home town; embarrassment; ridicule; rejection.

Joseph and Mary were in a CRISIS - PEACE is found in CRISIS.

Mark 5 - Woman with issue of blood; Luke 7:50 - Forgiveness of sin.

no room for them. - ILLUS: LA Trip with a flat in Oklahoma.

God’s Peace is IMPARTIAL.

If you feel there is a system designed against you, causing you STRESS remember, God is FOR you…and if God is FOR you He is more than the whole world against you.

God’s PEACE is IMPARTIAL.

The Beauty of GOD’S PEACE is INCLUSIVE. vs. 8-12

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Shepherd were on the lower skilled level of the employment ladder.

Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Moses, David, Amos

Shepherds were the equivalent to the every day working person. They had a job; worked for someone else who received the bulk of the profits; always on duty. (Duties were to take care of the flock.)

The Shepherds were INCLUDED in God’s Announcement.

ILLUS: “We interrupt this program to bring you a special report.”

God says to you and I “Let me interrupt your world with an important announcement.

“I’m giving YOU a special something special…My Peace!

It’s Designed with you in mind. At home; work; school;

In times of trouble - PEACE; Frustration - PEACE; No money - PEACE.

Why? Because A SAVIOR has been born to YOU…He is the Prince of PEACE.

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The Beauty of God’s PEACE is IMPECCABLE - vs. 13-14

IMPECCABLE = free from fault - Pilate said “”I find no fault in Him”;

blame for HEALING the multitudes; Feeding the hungry; Commanding the elements (PEACE BE STILL); Being about His Father’s Business ( Rich Young Ruler).

flawless “Who do men say that I am? You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.”;

The Beauty of Peace Is IMPECCABLE because His favor rests on YOU!

Peace on those with whom God is pleased. But without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Jesus said to His disciples, those who believed Him, those who served HIm, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. (John 14:27).

CLOSE: The key that unlocks the Beauty of God’s peace is faith in the promises of God.

Advent is the discipline of waiting and believing in his promise. He fulfilled the promise that He would come as REDEEMER.

NOW, we wait for His 2nd coming.

The Beauty of God’s Peace is IMPARTIAL, INCLUSIVE, and IMPECCABLE...for Everyone — from every people, tongue, tribe, and nation —that believe in Him.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13).