Active Pursuit of Peace: Embracing the Christmas Spirit
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:
- True peace is not a passive state but an active pursuit that requires genuine effort and action. It is not enough to sing about peace during the Christmas season; we must actively seek to embody peace in our lives, communities, and the world. This involves confronting the hypocrisy of showing love and unity only during festive times and returning to conflict afterward. [49:41]
- The sermon emphasizes the importance of being peacemakers, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9. Being a peacemaker is different from merely loving peace; it involves being an agent of God's peace and working towards the wholeness and well-being that "Shalom" represents. This requires us to hear the voices of those in need and respond with care, striving to live as faithful children of God. [52:27]
- Personal responsibility is crucial in bringing about peace. The speaker challenges the congregation to touch their hearts and acknowledge that peace starts within them. Each individual must ask themselves if they are people of peace and if their lives reflect the message of peace and shalom. [56:18]
- Lighting the peace candle in the church symbolizes the peace that believers are called to work for, not the peace that has already been achieved. The speaker encourages the congregation to not wait for a world without conflict to strive for peace, but to work towards it despite the presence of war, politics, and conflicts within the Christian community. [50:11]
- The congregation is urged to support the work of Project Transformation, which provides positive opportunities for children in the community. The speaker sets a bold goal for the Christmas offering and emphasizes that every contribution, no matter the size, is an offering to God and will be greatly appreciated. This act of giving is a way to celebrate the season and show gratitude for the coming of Christ. [32:39]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Missing Piece"
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 40:1-2: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins."
2. Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
3. John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 40:1-2 suggest about the nature of God's comfort and peace?
2. According to Matthew 5:9, what is the significance of being a peacemaker?
3. In John 14:27, how does Jesus describe the peace He gives compared to the peace the world offers?
4. 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
1. How does the peace described in Isaiah 40:1-2 differ from the peace that the world often seeks?
2. 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]
3. How can Jesus' statement in John 14:27 about His peace help believers deal with fear and anxiety in their lives?
4. 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
1. Reflect on your personal expectations for peace. How do they align with God's expectations for you as described in the sermon? [51:28]
2. 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]
3. 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]
4. 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]
5. 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]
6. 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]
7. 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]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of peace and active peacemaking as presented in the sermon "The Missing Piece." Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
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?
Quotes
"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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