Embracing the Gift of Peace Through Christ

 

Summary

In this time between Christmas and New Year, we find ourselves reflecting on the prophecy of Isaiah 9:2-7, which speaks of the coming Messiah and His four names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names reveal the nature and mission of Jesus, who brings light into our darkness and offers us a kingdom that will never end. The Christmas season, traditionally celebrated for 12 days starting on December 25th, reminds us of the journey of the wise men and the enduring significance of Christ's birth.

The title "Prince of Peace" is particularly profound, as it encapsulates the culmination of God's work through Jesus. Peace is a universal desire, yet it often eludes us. We strive for peace in our personal lives, communities, and nations, but true peace is not merely the absence of conflict or stress. The Hebrew word "shalom" conveys a deeper meaning of completeness and wholeness. Isaiah's prophecy challenges us to understand that peace is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from God, embodied in the child born in Bethlehem.

The paradox of peace is that it comes not through power or force, but through the humility and vulnerability of a child. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, reconciles us to God and to one another, making us whole. Our pursuit of peace is an echo of Eden, a longing for the completeness we were created for. Yet, we often seek peace in the wrong places, relying on our own strength and understanding. The message of Christmas and the promise of Isaiah is that true peace is found in Jesus, who invites us to be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs reconciliation.

As we enter a new year, we are called to remember the true source of peace and to strive to be peacemakers, reflecting the love and completeness of Christ in our lives. This is not an easy task, but it is the calling of those who follow the Prince of Peace. In Him, we find the strength to face the challenges of life and the hope of a kingdom where peace reigns forever.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Paradox of Peace: True peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of completeness and wholeness in our lives. It is a gift from God, embodied in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles us to God and one another. [10:02]

2. The Pursuit of Shalom: Our desire for peace reflects our intrinsic longing for the completeness we were created for. However, we often seek peace in the wrong places, relying on our own strength rather than the Prince of Peace. [24:55]

3. The Role of Peacemakers: As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, reflecting His love and completeness in our lives. This involves striving for peace with everyone and recognizing that true peace comes from God. [29:39]

4. The Source of Peace: We must remember that peace is not something we can create on our own. It is found in Jesus, who offers us wholeness and invites us to participate in His kingdom of peace. [28:23]

5. The Challenge of Peace: Being a peacemaker is not easy, but it is the calling of those who follow the Prince of Peace. We are invited to stand up for peace, even when it seems elusive, trusting in God's power to bring about true reconciliation. [31:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:10] - The Christmas Season and Isaiah's Prophecy
- [02:12] - The Promise of Emmanuel
- [03:07] - Light in the Darkness
- [04:19] - The Four Names of the Messiah
- [07:20] - Understanding Everlasting Father
- [10:02] - The Paradox of Peace
- [12:28] - Historical Pursuits of Peace
- [13:21] - God's Role in Peace
- [17:05] - Trusting in the Prince of Peace
- [18:53] - Bonhoeffer's Insight on Peace
- [21:19] - The Paradox of Jesus
- [22:13] - The Everlasting Kingdom of Peace
- [23:16] - Jesus' Promise of Peace
- [24:55] - Our Striving for Shalom
- [28:23] - Remembering the Source of Peace
- [29:39] - The Call to Be Peacemakers
- [31:59] - Closing Reflections on Peace

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 9:2-7
- John 14:27
- Matthew 5:9

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#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four names given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His nature and mission? [04:19]
2. How does the sermon describe the traditional 12-day Christmas season, and what is its significance in relation to the journey of the wise men? [01:10]
3. According to the sermon, what is the Hebrew word for peace, and how does its meaning differ from the common understanding of peace? [10:02]
4. What historical examples were given in the sermon to illustrate the human pursuit of peace and its challenges? [12:28]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the title "Prince of Peace" encapsulate the culmination of God's work through Jesus, according to the sermon? [07:20]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our pursuit of peace is an echo of Eden, and how does this relate to our intrinsic longing for completeness? [24:55]
3. How does the sermon explain the paradox of peace coming through the humility and vulnerability of a child rather than through power or force? [13:21]
4. What role do peacemakers play in reflecting Christ's love and completeness, as discussed in the sermon? [29:39]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of peace. How does the concept of "shalom" challenge or expand your view of what true peace means? [10:02]
2. Consider a situation in your life where you have been striving for peace. How might relying on your own strength differ from seeking peace through the Prince of Peace? [24:55]
3. The sermon calls us to be peacemakers. What practical steps can you take to strive for peace in your relationships, community, or workplace? [29:39]
4. How can you keep the true source of peace, Jesus, front and center in your life, especially when faced with stress or conflict? [28:23]
5. Think about a time when you sought peace in the wrong places. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide you in the future? [24:55]
6. As we enter a new year, what specific actions can you take to reflect the love and completeness of Christ in your daily interactions? [31:59]
7. How can you embrace the paradox of peace by finding strength in humility and vulnerability, as demonstrated by Jesus? [13:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Depth of True Peace
True peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of completeness and wholeness in our lives. It is a profound gift from God, embodied in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles us to God and one another. This peace, described by the Hebrew word "shalom," goes beyond our human understanding and efforts. It is a state of being that encompasses harmony, fulfillment, and well-being, which only God can provide. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our attempts to create peace on our own often fall short. Instead, we are invited to embrace the peace that Jesus offers, allowing it to transform our hearts and relationships. [10:02]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you striving for peace on your own? How can you invite Jesus, the Prince of Peace, into these areas today?


Day 2: Our Longing for Shalom
Our desire for peace reflects an intrinsic longing for the completeness we were created for. This longing is an echo of Eden, a reminder of the wholeness and harmony that existed before the fall. However, in our pursuit of peace, we often look to the wrong sources, relying on our own strength and understanding. The message of Isaiah challenges us to recognize that true peace is not something we can achieve by ourselves. It is a divine gift, found in the person of Jesus, who invites us to rest in His completeness. As we seek peace, we are encouraged to turn to Him, trusting that He will fulfill our deepest longings. [24:55]

Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'"

Reflection: Where have you been seeking peace apart from God? What steps can you take to align your pursuit of peace with the path that Jesus offers?


Day 3: The Call to Be Peacemakers
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, reflecting His love and completeness in our lives. This involves striving for peace with everyone and recognizing that true peace comes from God. Being a peacemaker is not a passive role; it requires intentionality, courage, and a willingness to engage in the work of reconciliation. We are invited to embody the peace of Christ in our interactions, becoming agents of healing and restoration in a broken world. This calling challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones, trusting in God's power to bring about true reconciliation. [29:39]

James 3:18 (ESV): "And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the peace of Christ through you? How can you actively pursue reconciliation and peace in that relationship today?


Day 4: Remembering the Source of Peace
We must remember that peace is not something we can create on our own. It is found in Jesus, who offers us wholeness and invites us to participate in His kingdom of peace. This peace is a gift that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ. As we navigate the challenges of life, we are reminded to keep our focus on Jesus, the true source of peace. By abiding in Him, we find the strength and grace to face whatever comes our way, knowing that His peace will sustain us. [28:23]

Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of Jesus as the source of your peace? What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to keep your focus on Him?


Day 5: The Challenge of Being a Peacemaker
Being a peacemaker is not easy, but it is the calling of those who follow the Prince of Peace. We are invited to stand up for peace, even when it seems elusive, trusting in God's power to bring about true reconciliation. This challenge requires us to confront our own biases, fears, and insecurities, allowing the love of Christ to transform us from the inside out. As we embrace this calling, we become vessels of God's peace, bringing hope and healing to a world in desperate need of reconciliation. [31:59]

Matthew 5:9 (ESV): "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Reflection: What fears or insecurities hold you back from being a peacemaker? How can you rely on God's strength to overcome these challenges and fulfill your calling?

Quotes



"Peace is the culmination of the names of the Messiah, the culmination of what God is up to in Jesus. And we all say that we want peace right we want peace for ourselves we want peace for our families we want peace for our relationships with our neighbors and our co-workers with our extended families and even with strangers we want peace as a nation and between nations there's almost no one who doesn't want peace." [00:08:12] (31 seconds)


"There is a paradox to peace there really is and for all of our efforts to find it to achieve it to get it we have shown ourselves as human beings to be really bad at peacemaking what is peace now if you're ambushed into ask answering that question if we have to give an answer off the top of our heads most of us are going to say something like no war or if we're feeling particularly quick when somebody unfairly asks us that question when we haven't thought about it we might say something like free from stress or worry and neither are bad answers." [00:10:03] (49 seconds)


"The paradox is deeper than our inability to achieve peace on our own no matter how much we strive Isaiah shows us the truth and what do we do when we can't find peace instinctively we look for someone who can because we know we can't we look for a leader an inventor a wise man a builder we may be skeptical of those people we may go all-inclusive but deep down we know they can't deliver in the long haul." [00:16:47] (33 seconds)


"This is about the birth of a child, not of the astonishing work of a strong man, not the bold discovery of a wise man, not the pious work of a saint. It really is beyond all understanding. The birth of a child shall bring about the great change, shall bring to all mankind salvation and deliverance. What kings and statesmen, philosophers and artists, religious leaders and moral teachers of labor, for in vain, is now brought about by a newborn child." [00:19:26] (30 seconds)


"The Prince of Peace comes not as a powerful political leader, not as the sage or the inventor. He does not keep conflict at bay. He endures it and he challenges it because he is complete and offers us completeness. Isaiah says in verse 5 of our passage that he destroys the very trappings of war. He is the bringer of light and joy. He is the bringer of peace, the ruler of peace and the sustainer of peace." [00:21:55] (31 seconds)


"Jesus, that baby in the manger, the one who is venerated by angels and shepherds and foreign wise men soon to be hunted by his own king is God's answer to our need for peace. And Jesus says in the hours before he was portrayed, peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14." [00:22:49] (28 seconds)


"Our problem is we try to do it on our own, in our own power, in our own strength. We try to take on the role of the Prince of Peace, and guess what? We are not up for the task. That was the pride of Satan in the lie in the garden. That's our own twisted sense of self at work. And the older I get and the more I look at the things we strive for in life, the pursuits of the world are really about the pursuit of shalom, of peace, of completeness." [00:24:37] (35 seconds)


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Transcript
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