Introduction
Probably all of us this past year have been deeply affected by at least one of the following: civil unrest, pandemic, unemployment, financial troubles, health troubles, painful relationships, or depression. So have our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. So many voices today tell us this world is lost to strife, anger and suffering. What the world needs right now is peace. What you need right now is peace. Today, we’re going to remind you of a peaceful truth. This world is not lost. The powers of good have already and will continue to win. Two thousand years ago, God came into this world to bring peace that transcends our understanding. Angels declared that first Christmas. “Peace on earth!” What could they have meant?
Song: “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful.” (Salvation Army Songbook #116)
The Promise of a Prince of Peace
Some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the Jewish people found themselves surrounded by enemies tearing down the walls of their city, carrying them off as enslaved people into foreign lands. Amid their crumbling society, God gave them a message through the prophet Isaiah as armies descended on them. He said, “God with Us.” God had not left His people but would come closer through this child. Through the same prophet, God said a child would be born, one called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6). Somehow, this coming child would bring peace. How?
Despite the hardships the Jewish people faced from their enemies, they had a deeper problem: They were divided from their God. Their rebellion against God had created a divide they could not fix. They needed God to fix it. And if God could heal that divide, they knew they could be at peace with whatever hardships the world threw at them. This child, God told them, would fix that divide and give them peace: not only peace with God, but peace knowing God is with them whatever life is like. And so, for 700 years, the Jewish people waited.
Our first reading comes from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, where God promises as a Prince of Peace. God let it be known that it was time for the Prince of Peace to come.
Reading: Isaiah 7:14; 9:2, 6, 7 and Matthew 1:18—24
Song: “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel (Salvation Army Songbook # 117)
A Child Brings Peace on Earth
The time had come. God told Joseph he was finally sending that child, the Prince of Peace. He would bring peace by “saving his people from their sins.” God tells us the historical circumstances surrounding the event. The child was no ordinary child, but both entirely God and yet wholly man. He needed to be completely human, so He could live the perfect life we can’t. He needed to be fully God because His perfect life could count for the lives of all people and so bring peace to the world. He’s here: the one who would give us peace with God and peace in life.
Angels will sing, “Peace on earth upon whom His favor rests.” This is a poetic way of saying: if you believe Jesus is the Savior who can save you from your sins, you will have peace and forgiveness.
Song: “Silent Night” (vs. 1 and 2). (Salvation Army Songbook # 124)
Reading: Luke 2: 1–20
Song: “Silent Night (vs. 3). (Salvation Army Songbook # 124)
Peace
Peace can only be found when we spend time seeking the face of God. The world can’t offer us peace because it has nothing in which to place its hope, trust, and security. Kingdoms come and go. World leaders move in and out of power. What societies values changes all the time. Our only constant is God. He has been, is, and forever will be the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord. All authority has been given to Him. He governs the change of the seasons. He thwarts the plans of the enemy. And He longs to offer total and sustained peace to all who place their hope and trust in Him.
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace; those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You.” Our God offers peace in every situation if we keep our minds focused on Him and trust Him. The world says peace can only come when you’ve worked your fingers to the bone and finally attained all you want. You can only have peace when you have enough money, friends, the right job, or a spouse. You can only have peace with friends, family, and bosses like you. However, God’s way is to draw you into Himself and offer you peace amid your circumstances. He doesn’t want you to wait until everything gets worked out before you can have rest. He’s offering you rest right now.
Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. … you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” God longs to prepare a table for you amid whatever troubles surround you. He calls you to keep your mind focused on Him no matter what lies before you. And He is asking you to seek His face and find your rest in Him rather than toiling and striving for circumstantial peace.
Romans 8:6, “To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” It’s by the spirit alone that you will find life and peace. Stop looking for your fulfillment in the things of the world. Stop asking the world to offer you what it never had to begin with. Look towards your heavenly Father for the peace that surpasses all understanding. May you be filled with rest and peace today as you spend time in prayer seeking the face of God.
Prayer
- Meditate on the truth that God is your sole source of peace and rest. God’s word to mold and shape your perspective.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3“To set the mind of the Spirit in life and peace.” Romans 8:6
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you come on because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 - Where have you been running to for peace? Have you had much peace and rest in your life lately? Acknowledging your past pursuits will help you make present changes.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5, 6 - Seek the peace that comes from placing your hope and trust in God alone. Ask the Spirit to fill you with peace amid your circumstances. Let your requests be known to God and receive the peace that comes from casting your burdens on your heavenly Father’s loving and capable shoulders.
“Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5–7
Go
You will be robbed of peace as soon as you turn your trust away from God and begin to live in your own strength. The only source of consistent peace is keeping your mind stayed on God. You can trust in the reality of God’s desire and ability to keep you. If He tells you to wait, you can wait. You can move when He tells you to move. Offer Him your understanding, actions, and emotions, and allow Him to be the Lord over them all today.
Reading: Luke 1:26–35, 38
Song: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” (Salvation Army Songbook # 106).
Pray for Peace, God’s Blessings
Song: “Joy to the World” (Salvation Army Songbook # 113).
