Embracing the Transformative Peace of Advent
Summary
In this season of Advent, we are reminded of the profound gift of peace that Jesus brings into our lives. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict or struggle, but the presence of God through His Holy Spirit amidst our circumstances. The Hebrew word "shalom" encapsulates this idea of peace as completeness, wholeness, and soundness, regardless of external chaos. As we reflect on the original Christmas narrative, we see that the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was anything but peaceful by worldly standards. Yet, His presence brought a deep, transformative peace that transcends understanding.
The story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, the chaos of the town, and the humble birth of Jesus in a manger illustrate that peace is not found in perfect conditions but in the presence of God. The angels' proclamation to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests," highlights the divine peace that Jesus brings. This peace is not a fleeting feeling but a profound reality that changes everything.
Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah, who would be called the Prince of Peace, and whose arrival would bring a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is deeply personal, a gift from God that we are invited to receive. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds, a peace that is not dependent on our circumstances but on the presence of God within us.
As we embrace this peace, we are called to be still and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us. This Advent season, let us take time to pause, to be present with God, and to receive His peace. Whether through prayer, worship, or simply sitting in silence, let us open our hearts to the kiss of peace that God offers us. This peace is a reminder of God's loving kindness and faithfulness, a promise that He is with us, guiding us, and holding us in His embrace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Peace in Presence, Not Absence: True peace is not the absence of conflict or struggle but the presence of God through His Holy Spirit in our lives. This peace transcends understanding and transforms our circumstances by bringing God's presence into them. [04:49]
2. Shalom: Wholeness and Completion: The Hebrew concept of "shalom" goes beyond peace as we know it. It signifies completeness, wholeness, and soundness, allowing us to experience well-being in our souls despite external chaos. [06:32]
3. The Prince of Peace in Chaos: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was born into a world of chaos and struggle. His arrival demonstrates that peace is not found in perfect conditions but in the presence of God amidst life's challenges. [09:35]
4. Personal and Transformative Peace: The peace that Jesus offers is deeply personal and transformative. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds, inviting us to experience God's presence and love in a profound way. [13:50]
5. Receiving the Kiss of Peace: We are invited to receive God's peace as a personal and affectionate gift. By being still and opening our hearts, we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with peace that surpasses all understanding. [29:56]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Invitation to Share Hope
[03:03] - The Dynamic Message of Advent
[04:49] - Understanding True Peace
[06:32] - Shalom: Wholeness and Completion
[08:03] - The Chaos of the Christmas Narrative
[09:35] - The Prince of Peace Arrives
[10:46] - Prophecies of Peace
[13:01] - The Good News of Peace
[13:50] - The Transformative Power of Peace
[15:21] - The Cry for Peace in the Psalms
[16:39] - Seeking Fulfillment in the Wrong Places
[18:21] - Love and Faithfulness Meet
[20:09] - The Significance of a Kiss
[22:15] - God's Loving Kindness and Truth
[25:13] - Righteousness and Peace Embrace
[27:14] - Jesus' Promise of Peace
[29:56] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
[31:27] - Embracing the Kiss of Peace
[32:21] - The Power of Worship and Stillness
[35:12] - The Impact of "O Holy Night"
[38:26] - Being Filled with God's Peace
[40:30] - Postures of Receiving Peace
[43:20] - Embracing God's Presence
[45:12] - The Wedding Kiss and Oneness
[49:17] - Closing Worship and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Gift of Peace
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
2. Luke 2:10-14 - "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
3. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the concept of "shalom" and how does it differ from the common understanding of peace? [06:32]
2. What circumstances surrounded the birth of Jesus that illustrate the idea of peace amidst chaos? [08:03]
3. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in bringing peace into our lives? [27:14]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of the angels' proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-14? [13:01]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the peace Jesus brings is transformative and personal? [13:50]
2. How does the sermon interpret the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 about Jesus being the "Prince of Peace"? What implications does this have for believers today? [10:46]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's loving kindness and truth, and how does this relate to the concept of peace? [21:16]
4. How does the sermon use Philippians 4:6-7 to illustrate the process of receiving God's peace? [32:21]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced peace in a chaotic situation. How did you sense God's presence during that time? [09:35]
2. The sermon emphasizes being still to receive God's peace. What practical steps can you take this week to create moments of stillness in your life? [31:27]
3. How can you incorporate the concept of "shalom" into your daily life, especially when facing external chaos? [06:32]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of not seeking fulfillment in the wrong places. What are some areas in your life where you might be seeking temporary fixes instead of God's peace? [16:39]
5. How can you actively invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with peace in your current circumstances? What might that look like in your daily routine? [29:56]
6. Consider the angels' message of peace in Luke 2:10-14. How can you share this message of peace with others during this Advent season? [13:01]
7. The sermon describes peace as a "kiss" from God. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy with God to experience this peace more fully? [23:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Peace in God's Presence, Not in Circumstances
True peace is not the absence of conflict or struggle but the presence of God through His Holy Spirit in our lives. This peace transcends understanding and transforms our circumstances by bringing God's presence into them. The Hebrew word "shalom" encapsulates this idea of peace as completeness, wholeness, and soundness, regardless of external chaos. As we reflect on the original Christmas narrative, we see that the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was anything but peaceful by worldly standards. Yet, His presence brought a deep, transformative peace that transcends understanding. [04:49]
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 area of your life are you seeking peace through external circumstances rather than through God's presence? How can you invite the Holy Spirit into that area today?
Day 2: Shalom: Wholeness Amidst Chaos
The Hebrew concept of "shalom" goes beyond peace as we know it. It signifies completeness, wholeness, and soundness, allowing us to experience well-being in our souls despite external chaos. The story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, the chaos of the town, and the humble birth of Jesus in a manger illustrate that peace is not found in perfect conditions but in the presence of God. The angels' proclamation to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests," highlights the divine peace that Jesus brings. [06:32]
Psalm 85:10-11 (ESV): "Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of "shalom" in your daily life, even when faced with chaos or uncertainty? What practical steps can you take to focus on God's wholeness and soundness?
Day 3: The Prince of Peace in the Midst of Chaos
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was born into a world of chaos and struggle. His arrival demonstrates that peace is not found in perfect conditions but in the presence of God amidst life's challenges. Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah, who would be called the Prince of Peace, and whose arrival would bring a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is deeply personal, a gift from God that we are invited to receive. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds, a peace that is not dependent on our circumstances but on the presence of God within us. [09:35]
Micah 5:4-5 (ESV): "And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace."
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge or chaotic situation in your life. How can you invite Jesus, the Prince of Peace, into this situation to transform it with His presence?
Day 4: Personal and Transformative Peace
The peace that Jesus offers is deeply personal and transformative. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds, inviting us to experience God's presence and love in a profound way. As we embrace this peace, we are called to be still and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us. This Advent season, let us take time to pause, to be present with God, and to receive His peace. Whether through prayer, worship, or simply sitting in silence, let us open our hearts to the kiss of peace that God offers us. [13:50]
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: What daily practices can you incorporate to allow the peace of Christ to rule in your heart? How can you create space for stillness and reflection in your routine?
Day 5: Receiving the Kiss of Peace
We are invited to receive God's peace as a personal and affectionate gift. By being still and opening our hearts, we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is a reminder of God's loving kindness and faithfulness, a promise that He is with us, guiding us, and holding us in His embrace. As we embrace this peace, we are called to be still and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us. [29:56]
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Reflection: How can you intentionally receive God's "kiss of peace" today? What specific actions can you take to be still and open your heart to His presence and love?
Quotes
The peace we're going to be talking about and really engaging in today is the very presence of God through his Holy Spirit in those situations. Because if you're longing for a moment where it's all an absence of hardship, difficulty, violence, struggle, it's not going to happen. [00:05:40] (20 seconds)
The town of David is in chaos. As we know, the narrative reveals there's no room anywhere to go. It's chaos. It's not good. And the only place she can have this baby in is an animal hangout because we know that Jesus is laid in a animal feeding trough. [00:08:37] (21 seconds)
The punishment that brought us shalom, wholeness, completion, his presence, his soundness in every way. The punishment that brought us in the midst of all our circumstances, the very presence of God, the punishment that brought us that was upon him. [00:14:02] (22 seconds)
Love and faithfulness meet together. Righteousness and peace kiss each other. Should we talk about kissing? We're going to talk about kissing. Oh, okay. No demonstrations of kissing. No practicing of kissing yet. [00:18:41] (23 seconds)
The scriptures say in the New Testament that it's God's loving kindness that leads us to repentance. It's not God's fix your life, loser, turn or burn. No, it's the loving kindness of God that leads us to repentance. Teshuvah in the Hebrew. Repentance means literally, you've heard it before, just to turn back, to return back to God's original intention, his ways, his best. [00:22:15] (38 seconds)
So be being filled with the Holy Spirit. Allow me to kiss you each day with my shalom and my presence and my peace. I want to dwell in you. You see, peace is not something that I crave in the midst of a crisis. Peace is saying, I am here. Allow me to draw you close. Allow me. To hold you. Allow me to do that. It's his presence. [00:30:06] (30 seconds)
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