Embracing the True Peace of Christmas

 

Summary

In this Christmas Eve reflection, I draw attention to the profound wish expressed by the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Thessalonians: "Now the Lord of Peace himself give you his peace always by all means." This wish encapsulates the essence of Christmas, as it signifies the peace that the Son of God came to bring into the world. The Incarnation, the coming of Christ, is the ultimate expression of God's desire to grant us peace, a peace that transcends all understanding and circumstances.

The world, characterized by restlessness, fear, and division, is in dire need of this peace. The root cause of this turmoil is sin, which has estranged humanity from God, from itself, and from others. Sin disrupts the harmony that was intended in creation, leading to a world filled with insecurity and conflict. The coming of Christ addresses this fundamental need by offering reconciliation and peace.

Christ is referred to as the Lord of Peace because he embodies peace in his nature and mission. He came to mediate between God and humanity, to reconcile us to God through his life, death, and resurrection. By bearing the punishment for our sins, he has made peace possible, offering us a peace that is not contingent on external circumstances but rooted in a restored relationship with God.

This peace is distinct from the world's superficial and temporary peace. It is a deep, abiding peace that remains steadfast regardless of life's challenges. It is a peace that assures us of God's presence and guidance, enabling us to face life's uncertainties with confidence and hope. As we embrace this peace, we are called to share it with others, recognizing our shared need for God's grace and forgiveness.

Key Takeaways:

- The Essence of Christmas Peace: The peace offered by Christ is the ultimate Christmas gift, a peace that transcends all understanding and circumstances. It is rooted in the reconciliation between God and humanity, made possible through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This peace is not just a seasonal sentiment but a profound reality that transforms our lives. [02:29]

- The Root of Restlessness: The world's restlessness and turmoil are rooted in sin, which has estranged humanity from God, itself, and others. Understanding this root cause is essential for experiencing true peace. Sin disrupts the harmony intended in creation, leading to insecurity and conflict. [12:28]

- Christ, the Lord of Peace: Christ is the Lord of Peace because he embodies peace in his nature and mission. He came to mediate between God and humanity, offering reconciliation and peace through his sacrificial death. This peace is not contingent on external circumstances but is rooted in a restored relationship with God. [21:08]

- A Peace Unlike the World’s: The peace Christ offers is distinct from the world's superficial and temporary peace. It is a deep, abiding peace that remains steadfast regardless of life's challenges. This peace assures us of God's presence and guidance, enabling us to face uncertainties with confidence and hope. [38:16]

- Sharing the Gift of Peace: As recipients of Christ's peace, we are called to share it with others, recognizing our shared need for God's grace and forgiveness. This peace transforms our relationships, enabling us to see others through the lens of God's love and mercy. [45:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to the Message
- [01:02] - The Christmas Greeting of Peace
- [02:29] - The Purpose of Christ's Coming
- [03:18] - The Gospel of Peace
- [04:46] - Self-Examination and Peace
- [07:37] - The Necessity of Peace
- [09:25] - The State of the World
- [12:28] - The Cause of Restlessness
- [17:37] - Estrangement from God
- [21:08] - Christ, the Lord of Peace
- [26:08] - The Gift of Peace
- [35:12] - The Nature of Christ's Peace
- [42:10] - Peace with God and Self
- [46:03] - Peace in All Circumstances
- [51:02] - Conclusion and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16: "Now the Lord of Peace himself give you his peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the Apostle Paul wish for the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, and why is this significant for the Christmas message? [00:21]
2. How does the sermon describe the state of the world and its need for peace? [09:41]
3. According to the sermon, what role does Christ play in bringing peace to humanity? [21:08]
4. What is the difference between the peace offered by Christ and the peace offered by the world, as discussed in the sermon? [38:16]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the need to understand the root cause of the world's restlessness and turmoil? How does this understanding relate to experiencing true peace? [12:28]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christ's peace is "deep and abiding"? How does this contrast with worldly peace? [38:16]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of Christ as the "Lord of Peace"? What implications does this have for believers? [21:08]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between sin and the absence of peace in the world? [12:28]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced restlessness or fear. How might understanding the root cause of these feelings help you seek Christ's peace? [12:28]
2. The sermon describes Christ's peace as independent of circumstances. How can you cultivate this kind of peace in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [46:03]
3. Consider your relationships with others. How can embracing Christ's peace transform the way you interact with those around you, especially those you find difficult to love? [45:33]
4. The sermon calls believers to share the peace of Christ with others. Identify one person in your life who needs peace. What practical steps can you take to share Christ's peace with them this week? [45:33]
5. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and guidance when facing uncertainties? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your routine to reinforce this assurance? [46:03]
6. Reflect on the concept of reconciliation with God through Christ. How does this understanding impact your view of forgiveness and grace in your own life? [24:46]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of self-examination. What steps can you take to ensure you are living in alignment with the peace Christ offers? [04:46]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gift of Transcendent Peace
The peace offered by Christ is the ultimate Christmas gift, a peace that transcends all understanding and circumstances. It is rooted in the reconciliation between God and humanity, made possible through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This peace is not just a seasonal sentiment but a profound reality that transforms our lives. It invites us to experience a deep sense of calm and assurance, knowing that our relationship with God has been restored. This peace is not dependent on the absence of conflict or trouble but is a steadfast presence that carries us through life's challenges. As we embrace this peace, we are reminded of the true essence of Christmas, which is the celebration of God's love and the peace He brings into our lives. [02:29]

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 do you need to experience Christ's transcendent peace today? How can you invite Him into those areas to transform your perspective and bring calmness?


Day 2: Understanding the Root of Restlessness
The world's restlessness and turmoil are rooted in sin, which has estranged humanity from God, itself, and others. Understanding this root cause is essential for experiencing true peace. Sin disrupts the harmony intended in creation, leading to insecurity and conflict. By recognizing the impact of sin, we can begin to address the underlying issues that prevent us from experiencing peace. This understanding calls us to seek reconciliation with God and others, acknowledging our need for His grace and forgiveness. As we confront the reality of sin, we are invited to turn to Christ, who offers a path to healing and restoration. [12:28]

Jeremiah 6:14 (ESV): "They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace."

Reflection: What specific sin or area of estrangement is causing restlessness in your life? How can you seek God's forgiveness and begin the journey toward true peace and reconciliation?


Day 3: Christ, the Mediator of Peace
Christ is the Lord of Peace because he embodies peace in his nature and mission. He came to mediate between God and humanity, offering reconciliation and peace through his sacrificial death. This peace is not contingent on external circumstances but is rooted in a restored relationship with God. By bearing the punishment for our sins, Christ has made peace possible, inviting us to live in harmony with God and others. This peace transforms our lives, enabling us to face challenges with confidence and hope. As we embrace Christ's peace, we are called to reflect His love and grace in our interactions with others. [21:08]

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in Christ's mission of peace today? What steps can you take to mediate peace in your relationships and community?


Day 4: Embracing a Peace Unlike the World’s
The peace Christ offers is distinct from the world's superficial and temporary peace. It is a deep, abiding peace that remains steadfast regardless of life's challenges. This peace assures us of God's presence and guidance, enabling us to face uncertainties with confidence and hope. Unlike the fleeting peace the world offers, Christ's peace is enduring and transformative. It invites us to trust in God's sovereignty and rest in His promises, even when circumstances are difficult. As we embrace this peace, we are empowered to live with a sense of purpose and assurance, knowing that God is with us in every situation. [38:16]

John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Reflection: In what ways have you been seeking peace from the world rather than from Christ? How can you shift your focus to embrace the enduring peace that Christ offers?


Day 5: Sharing the Gift of Peace
As recipients of Christ's peace, we are called to share it with others, recognizing our shared need for God's grace and forgiveness. This peace transforms our relationships, enabling us to see others through the lens of God's love and mercy. By extending Christ's peace to those around us, we become instruments of His grace and reconciliation. This calling challenges us to be peacemakers in our communities, actively seeking to mend broken relationships and promote understanding. As we share the gift of peace, we reflect the heart of Christ and contribute to the healing and restoration of the world. [45:33]

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

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the peace of Christ through you today? What practical steps can you take to share His peace and love with them?

Quotes



The Son of God came down from Heaven to Earth entirely and solely in order that this kind of wish might be made possible and that it might become effective in our lives. That is the whole meaning, the whole purpose of Christmas. It's the whole explanation of the Incarnation, the coming of the Son of God out of the glory into this world of time and of sin and of shame. [00:02:19]

The world is characterized by what? Well, by above everything else by restlessness, trouble, insecurity, fear, and these are all the opposite of peace. The Apostle John in his first epistle says fear hath torment, and it has. Fear is a torment, and that is the whole state of the world this evening. Surely nobody will query or question that. [00:09:41]

The world is as it is tonight in its restlessness and in its agony and its striving not as a part of this upward reach and progress of men and his attempt to develop and to reach perfection. It isn't growing pains that men suffering from. It's the exact opposite. No, no, the explanation is the fall. [00:17:09]

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord of Peace. What's it mean? Well, says the Apostle, the Lord of Peace himself give you his peace always and by all means. Why? Why do you think he calls him the Lord of Peace? What a term! There are many designations applied to our blessed Lord, but this in many ways is the most wonderful of them all. [00:21:08]

The peace that he enjoyed himself, it's unlike that other peace. Why? Well, that other one, you see, is false. It's not true. It's make-believe. It's superficial. It's not genuine. It'll all evaporate. It's never really any existence at all. It's a kind of terminology that we use, and we know it's hollow. There's nothing in it. [00:38:48]

The peace he gives you, peace with God, he gives you peace with yourself, he gives you peace with others. And you notice this, this is the most wonderful thing of all. Now the Lord of Peace himself give you peace always and by all means, which means under all circumstances and conditions whatsoever may come to meet you at all times and in all ways. [00:45:33]

There is no such thing as true peace apart from him. The world can't find it. He and he alone can give it. He is the Lord of Peace. Very well, let's work it out. Look at it like this. The Apostle says the Lord of Peace himself give you his peace. He's got it. He possesses it. But thank God he is able to give it. [00:26:08]

The essence of this Christian Gospel is the grace of God, a giving, a giving. The Lord of Peace himself give you his peace, and he can give it, my friend, and that's what makes it such a privilege to preach this gospel this evening on this Christmas Eve that I can offer you in his blessed name whatever you are and whatever your circumstances, his peace. [00:28:44]

The peace that is offered you tonight by the Son of God, if you haven't got it, did you come in here unhappy, troubled, miserable, ill at ease, restless, dissatisfied, and do you say what I want above everything else in this world is peace? Very well, I say he's got it to give you, but be quite clear as to the kind of peace it is. [00:35:12]

The Lord of Peace himself give you peace always and by all means. What if bereavement and sorrow visit me in the future, do you say? I can still have it. Here's the answer: Jesus has vanquished death and all its power. He's risen triumphant of the grave. The resurrection proclaims him to be the victor, so even though we die, we shall live again. [00:51:02]

The Lord of Peace himself give you his peace always and by all means. What say someone? Do you really mean that that's for me? Do you know I've not believed in God until tonight? I didn't believe in Christ. I thought this was a fairy tale. I thought this was a lot of nonsense. I didn't believe in the cross and in the death of the Son of God for me and my sins. [00:53:33]

The Lord of Peace himself give you his peace always and by all means. Ask him for it in faith, believing, and he'll give it you. Blessed be His holy name. Amen. [00:56:19]

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Transcript
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