Active Pursuit of Peace: Embracing the Christmas Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: Peace as Active Pursuit

True peace is an active pursuit, requiring more than just words; it demands action and commitment to embody peace in every aspect of life. It is a challenge to confront the complacency of celebrating peace only during festive times and to continue striving for peace in the face of conflict and division. [49:41]

James 3:18 - "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
Reflection: How can you actively pursue peace in your daily interactions, even in situations where it seems most challenging?

Day 2: The Essence of Being Peacemakers

Being a peacemaker means being an active agent of God's peace, working towards the wholeness and well-being that "Shalom" represents. It involves listening to those in need and responding with compassion, striving to live as faithful children of God who bring healing and unity. [52:27]

Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Reflection: In what ways can you be an agent of God's peace today, and how can you encourage others to join you in this mission?

Day 3: Personal Responsibility for Peace

Peace begins within each individual, and it is essential to reflect on whether one's life exemplifies the message of peace and shalom. This personal responsibility is the foundation for broader efforts to create a peaceful community and world. [56:18]

1 Peter 3:11 - "They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you can cultivate inner peace, and how can that inner peace influence your surroundings?

Day 4: Symbolism of the Peace Candle

The lighting of the peace candle is a call to action, symbolizing the peace believers are meant to work for, not the peace that has already been achieved. It is a reminder to strive for peace amidst war, politics, and conflicts, even within the Christian community. [50:11]

Romans 14:19 - "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Reflection: What symbolic acts of peace can you perform this week to remind yourself and others of the ongoing work for peace?

Day 5: Generosity as a Path to Peace

Supporting initiatives like Project Transformation is a way to actively participate in bringing peace to the community by providing positive opportunities for children. Generosity during the Christmas season is a celebration of Christ's coming and a practical expression of gratitude and peace. [32:39]

Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: How can your generosity extend beyond the holiday season, and what are some specific ways you can contribute to peace and goodwill in your community throughout the year?

Sermon Summary

The sermon titled "The Missing Piece" delivered on December 10, 2023, during the TRADITIONAL Worship Service at 9:00 am, focuses on the theme of peace and the anticipation of the birth of Jesus. The congregation is invited to reflect on the peace that comes from God, despite the challenges and darkness they may face. The service includes the singing of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," which emphasizes the blessings of Jesus' birth and the wisdom of God.

The speaker references Isaiah's call for comfort and peace, highlighting the congregation's longing for true peace. Candles are lit as symbols of hope and just peace, and the congregation is called to repent and live out the good news of Jesus Christ. A time of prayer is dedicated to individuals in need, including those affected by severe weather and those with unspoken concerns.

Gratitude is expressed for contributions to the offertory, and the sermon series is humorously noted to have shifted from "great expectations" to "great expectations" due to a typo. The speaker suggests a better way to approach the holiday season, focusing on a more personally satisfying and impactful experience rather than being driven by a list of expectations.

The service concludes with a vow to live in peace and an invitation to sing "Angels from the Realm of Glory." The congregation is encouraged to serve others in need and bring peace and hope to the world. The Lord's Prayer is recited, providing strength and hope, and a pastoral prayer is offered, seeking guidance and understanding from God.

The speaker tells a story about someone who only saw the parade but missed the actual circus, relating it to the excitement of Christmas and the importance of remembering the true reason for the season. The Christmas offering and its purpose are discussed, and the congregation is asked to support Project Transformation, which aims to provide positive opportunities for children in the community.

The sermon raises the question of what our expectation of peace is and emphasizes that true peace requires genuine effort and action. The speaker addresses the issue of violence and gun violence affecting children and the church's role in promoting peace and supporting ministries that work towards improving the community.

The importance of being peacemakers is highlighted, with references to Matthew 5:9 and the Hebrew word "Shalom." The congregation is reminded that peace begins within oneself and is urged to examine their expectations for peace and consider what God's expectations are for them.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Isaiah 40:1-2 suggest about the nature of God's comfort and peace?
According to Matthew 5:9, what is the significance of being a peacemaker?
In John 14:27, how does Jesus describe the peace He gives compared to the peace the world offers?
What story did the pastor share about the boy and the circus, and how does it relate to the true meaning of Christmas? [24:25]

Interpretation Questions

How does the peace described in Isaiah 40:1-2 differ from the peace that the world often seeks?
What does it mean to be a peacemaker in the context of Matthew 5:9, and how does this role align with being called children of God? [51:57]
How can Jesus' statement in John 14:27 about His peace help believers deal with fear and anxiety in their lives?
The pastor mentioned that peace is not just a seasonal feeling but an active pursuit. How does this challenge the way we typically approach the Christmas season? [49:04]

Application Questions

Reflect on your personal expectations for peace. How do they align with God's expectations for you as described in the sermon? [51:28]
The pastor emphasized the importance of being peacemakers rather than just peace lovers. What are some practical steps you can take to become an agent of God's peace in your community? [51:57]
The story of the boy who missed the circus serves as a metaphor for missing the true meaning of Christmas. How can you ensure that you focus on the true reason for the season amidst all the festivities? [24:25]
The sermon highlighted the need for personal responsibility in bringing about peace. What specific actions can you take to cultivate peace within yourself and your immediate surroundings? [56:33]
The lighting of the peace candle symbolizes the peace we are called to work for. How can you contribute to creating peace in a world filled with conflict, both locally and globally? [49:51]
The pastor mentioned supporting Project Transformation as a way to promote peace. How can you get involved in similar initiatives that aim to improve your community and support those in need? [30:09]
Reflect on the hymn "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and its message. What is one specific area in your life where you can start being a peacemaker today? [57:42]

Sermon Clips

"We long for real peace, true peace, just peace. The congregation, we wait as people who yearn for peace that bears the fruit of community, equity, and flourishing for all." [08:30] (Download)

"But part of our job as a community is to care for one another and lift each other up. So if all is well and right in your world, I would like you to pray for one of these folks here who are getting ready to raise their hands." [13:43] (Download)

"Children of God are peacemakers, and as disciples of Jesus, we are called to be agents of God's peace, which is not just an absence of conflict." [52:27] (Download)

"It doesn't begin in legislation or political speeches, it doesn't begin with somebody else fixing the problem for us, it begins right here." [56:41] (Download)

"Am I a person of peace? Is the message of our life a message of peace and shalom?" [57:05] (Download)

"We expect peace and we sing peace, but we've sort of treated Christmas carols as a seasonal kumbaya where we can hold hands and feel good and not actually do anything to make peace in our own personal lives, in our community, in our world." [48:49] (Download)

"That sure is a cheap peace, but peace isn't cheap, it's not fake, it's not simply some feel-good facade that we can use to medicate ourselves through the season and medicate ourselves from the pain of the world around us." [49:41] (Download)

"If you are a child of God, you are also called to be a peacemaker." [55:42] (Download)

1) "If we waited for there to actually be peace that candle would never be lit till Jesus returns anyway because the candle doesn't represent the peace we achieve, it represents the peace we are called to work for." [50:11] (Download)

"We have this hope of an upside down God who can come and make our world and turn our lives right side up. That God through Christ comes to set things right." [45:52] (Download)

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