Finding Peace Through Jesus: The Gift of Advent
Summary
As we draw closer to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, we find ourselves amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, often feeling anxious about the many tasks that need to be completed. Yet, this time offers us a precious opportunity to pause and reflect on the profound gifts that Jesus brings into our lives. Last week, we explored the gift of hope, which empowers us to move forward despite fear and uncertainty. Today, we delve into how this hope leads us to peace—a peace that comes through Jesus, the light of the world, as prophesied by Isaiah.
In a world filled with chaos and complexity, peace often seems elusive. Whether it's global turmoil, relational strife, or internal battles, there is a constant struggle to maintain peace. This past week, I experienced moments where peace was momentarily lost, reminding me of how easily we can be thrown off balance. Yet, Jesus offers us peace through His life, death, and resurrection. He came to set things right, offering us peace with God, with each other, and within our hearts.
Isaiah's prophecy speaks of a child who would bring unending peace, bearing titles that reveal His character: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Each title reflects how Jesus brings peace into our lives. As our Wonderful Counselor, He offers divine wisdom and guidance, surpassing human understanding. As Mighty God, He is our protector, a mighty warrior who fights for us against spiritual forces. As Everlasting Father, He provides a nurturing presence, offering a shoulder to cry on while defending us. Finally, as the Prince of Peace, He reigns over every storm, bringing calmness to our hearts.
In this Advent season, we are invited to bring our burdens, worries, and frustrations to Jesus, trusting that He will carry them and extend His peace to us. This peace is not dependent on perfect circumstances but is found in the presence of Christ. As we prepare to celebrate His birth, we are reminded that His peace is steady and sure, offering hope, comfort, and rest to all who trust Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, offers us divine wisdom and guidance that surpasses human understanding. In moments of uncertainty, we are invited to trust Him fully, knowing that His counsel leads us to perfect peace. [07:13]
- As Mighty God, Jesus is our protector and defender, a mighty warrior who fights for us against spiritual forces. Our lives are securely held in His hands, and nothing can snatch us away from His protection. [10:33]
- Jesus, the Everlasting Father, provides a nurturing presence, offering both comfort and defense. He invites us to bring our weariness and frustrations to Him, reminding us of His love and care. [12:55]
- As the Prince of Peace, Jesus reigns over every storm, bringing calmness to our hearts. His peace is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in His presence and love for us. [14:54]
- The peace Jesus offers is steady and sure, providing hope, comfort, and rest. As we celebrate His birth, we are reminded that His peace knows no end and is available to all who trust Him. [17:45]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:22] - The Battle for Peace
[03:50] - Jesus Brings Peace
[05:21] - Titles of Jesus
[07:13] - Wonderful Counselor
[08:56] - Mighty God
[10:33] - Secure in His Hands
[11:41] - Everlasting Father
[12:55] - Comfort and Defense
[14:54] - Prince of Peace
[16:18] - Peace in Chaos
[17:45] - Peace Beyond Circumstances
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
2. Isaiah 26:3
3. John 14:27
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 9:6, what are the titles given to the child who will bring peace, and what do they signify about His character? [05:21]
2. How does the sermon describe the way Jesus offers peace through His life, death, and resurrection? [03:50]
3. What personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the struggle to maintain peace in daily life? [01:22]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus acts as a "Mighty God" in our lives? [08:56]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the title "Wonderful Counselor" reflect Jesus' ability to guide us through life's uncertainties? [07:13]
2. What does it mean for Jesus to be our "Everlasting Father," and how does this title provide comfort and security? [12:55]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' peace is different from the peace the world offers? [17:45]
4. How can the concept of Jesus as the "Prince of Peace" influence a believer's response to chaos and turmoil in their life? [14:54]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt anxious or overwhelmed. How might turning to Jesus as your "Wonderful Counselor" have changed your response? [07:13]
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel under attack or vulnerable. How can you rely on Jesus as your "Mighty God" to find strength and protection? [08:56]
3. Consider a relationship in your life that is currently strained. How can embracing Jesus as your "Everlasting Father" help you approach this relationship with love and patience? [12:55]
4. What practical steps can you take this week to experience the peace of Christ in the midst of your daily responsibilities and challenges? [14:54]
5. How can you actively bring the peace of Christ into your community or workplace, especially during this Advent season? [16:18]
6. Think about a time when you felt God's peace despite difficult circumstances. How can you share this experience to encourage someone else who is struggling? [17:45]
7. As you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, what specific burdens or worries do you need to lay at His feet to fully embrace His peace? [17:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Wisdom in Uncertainty
In moments of uncertainty, Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, offers divine wisdom and guidance that surpasses human understanding. This wisdom is not just theoretical but practical, guiding us through life's complexities with clarity and purpose. When we face decisions or challenges, we are invited to trust fully in His counsel, knowing that it leads us to perfect peace. This peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of His wisdom, which reassures us that we are on the right path. As we navigate the uncertainties of life, we can lean on Jesus, confident that His guidance will never lead us astray. [07:13]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek and trust in Jesus' wisdom to guide you through it today?
Day 2: Secure in His Protection
As Mighty God, Jesus is our protector and defender, a mighty warrior who fights for us against spiritual forces. Our lives are securely held in His hands, and nothing can snatch us away from His protection. This assurance allows us to live boldly, knowing that we are not alone in our battles. Whether we face external threats or internal struggles, Jesus stands with us, offering His strength and courage. His protection is not just a shield but a promise that He is actively working for our good, even when we cannot see it. [10:33]
Psalm 91:4 (ESV): "He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler."
Reflection: Identify a fear or challenge you are currently facing. How can you rest in the assurance of Jesus' protection and allow Him to fight for you?
Day 3: Nurtured by Everlasting Love
Jesus, the Everlasting Father, provides a nurturing presence, offering both comfort and defense. He invites us to bring our weariness and frustrations to Him, reminding us of His love and care. In a world that often feels harsh and unforgiving, His nurturing presence is a balm for our souls. He is not distant or detached but intimately involved in our lives, offering a shoulder to cry on and a heart that understands. His love is everlasting, providing a safe haven where we can find rest and renewal. [12:55]
Isaiah 40:11 (ESV): "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel weary or burdened. How can you bring this to Jesus and experience His nurturing love today?
Day 4: Peace in the Midst of Storms
As the Prince of Peace, Jesus reigns over every storm, bringing calmness to our hearts. His peace is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in His presence and love for us. In a world filled with chaos and complexity, this peace often seems elusive, yet it is available to all who trust in Him. Jesus' peace transcends understanding, offering a steady anchor amidst life's tempests. By focusing on His presence rather than our problems, we can experience a profound sense of calm and assurance, knowing that He is in control. [14:54]
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: Reflect on a current storm or challenge in your life. How can you invite Jesus' peace into this situation and trust in His calming presence?
Day 5: Unending Peace and Rest
The peace Jesus offers is steady and sure, providing hope, comfort, and rest. As we celebrate His birth, we are reminded that His peace knows no end and is available to all who trust Him. This peace is not a fleeting feeling but a lasting reality that transforms our lives. It invites us to rest in His promises, knowing that He is faithful and true. As we embrace this peace, we find ourselves renewed and strengthened, ready to face whatever comes our way with confidence and grace. [17:45]
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV): "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all."
Reflection: As you reflect on the peace Jesus offers, what is one area of your life where you need to experience His unending peace? How can you actively rest in His promises today?
Quotes
"Last week, we started with the gift of hope, and we talked about how we live between this place of fear and uncertainty in our lives and the hope that God speaks into our fear. And that ultimately, it's the hope that gives us the courage and the strength to keep moving forward even when the path may not be clear." [00:00:33] (23 seconds)
"This light, the light has dawned. It has shown a light into the darkness in our world. And there's no doubt that we live in a crazy and chaotic and complicated world. But whether you look at things globally, relationally, or even these inner battles that we have in our hearts, there's a battle going on for our peace." [00:01:22] (26 seconds)
"And yet what we're reminded of is that ultimately, Jesus is the one who's going to be the one who's going to be the one who's going to be the one Jesus brought peace. with God. He brought peace for each other, and he brings peace for our hearts. He offers us this peace through his life and his death and his resurrection, and that's what we get to celebrate and be reminded of each time that we gather, that Jesus came to set things right, to put things back in place, and he offers and extends us this peace day in and day out." [00:03:50] (33 seconds)
"It's the peace that God promised long ago. The centuries before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a child who would carry the burdens of the world, who would bring in and usher in a reign of unending peace. But here's what he said, read just a moment ago, for a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Counselor. Mighty God." [00:04:23] (32 seconds)
"Because of who God is in the flesh, Jesus ultimately brings peace to our heart and our minds. He has not left us to our own devices or our own efforts to figure out how it is that we navigate the complexities of living in a broken and fallen world. He gives counsel that is miraculous." [00:06:12] (23 seconds)
"Isaiah 26 says this, you keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Jesus invites us to trust him fully. He offers divine wisdom and guidance that surpasses human understanding." [00:07:13] (19 seconds)
"You get this picture of our lives, being securely held in the hand of God, who's going to protect us, who's going to fight for us, who's going to defend us from all the these things that we're not even aware of." [00:10:44] (13 seconds)
"And there's nothing that can snatch us out of his hands. It's the safest place to be. But then he goes on to say another, he sends his holy angels to watch over us. This is from Psalm 91. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place, the most high, who is my refuge? No evil shall be allowed to befall you. No plague come near your tent. For he will command his holy angels concerning you and guard you in all your ways." [00:10:56] (32 seconds)
"And now everlasting father is an uncommon term for God, Yahweh, in the Old Testament. And there's a lot of reasons for that that I'm not going to dive into at the moment, but basically you never see God's people referring to Yahweh as their father. That was basically God was too holy for that. And yet what we see when Jesus comes, he teaches us and shows us how it is that we approach our heavenly father, Abba, Father." [00:12:05] (29 seconds)
"And because of that, we are able to bring our weariness, our anxiousness, our frustrations, our anger, and we're able to bring it to him. And he meets us in those moments and he reminds us." [00:13:42] (13 seconds)
"And what we see is that as we, as God's people, wholeheartedly surrender and say, Christ is my King, we see peace grow and expand into places that it maybe hasn't been before. It fills us, it changes us, and allows us to be these agents of peace in this world that needs the light of Christ to shine." [00:15:04] (24 seconds)
"And finally, He is the Prince. He is our Prince of Peace who reigns over every storm, who brings calmness to our hearts and reminds us that it's going to be okay because He has overcome the world. And He does this actively, not because He has to, but because of His love for us." [00:16:30] (24 seconds)
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