Christ has come into the World

Proclamation / Luke 2:8–14

Peace, according to the scripture, is a completeness or a wholeness. To have peace is to be whole. Everything is where it should be. Do not have peace is to be fractured. Where things are not where they should be.

Humanity looked around and saw that not everything is as it should be. This is a lack of shalom. We expect or hope for on thing and get another.

Luke 2:8–9 ESV

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

The shepherds weren’t ready. The shepherds were the last people to expect, the last people to carry such a message.

It’s in that sense, that peace comes in the worst way possible.

But what is being proclaimed is not as much about the people to who it’s being proclaimed it is about the name that is being proclaimed for the people who need it

Peace we find, is not a state of mind, is not a posture, is not a place or a time.

Peace has a name. Peace is found in a person.

Peace has a name

Luke 2:10–14 ESV

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The angels don’t say, peace is available. They don’t say seek peace. They don’t say, look for peace. They give a name. They make one person responsible. Peace is not pursued it is given. Peace has an address. We know where to go to find it.

Peace is not found in a position, or in a possession or in a principle (if I do this I get this) peace is found in a person.

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.

Fear is intended to protect us from danger. It is a part of us, it is actually rather helpful. want be afraid of some things. You should be afraid of some things. But what we have done is made fear a superpower. We are dominated by fear

There is no obstacle that God cannot and has not attended to. That is the promise of Advent. God has come into the world. And His coming into the world changes everything.

If God is near then peace is possible.

Peace is not fleeting, it does not budge.

You can trust God’s declaration of peace over you. That can be essential tenant of your life.

Romans 5:1 ESV

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The entire Advent is tied together with the promise of peace. That what has previously been broken is now whole.

God comes into the world as the prince of Peace.

There is peace for those on whom God is pleased.

1. The Concept of Shalom:

How does the illustration of the backpack help explain the biblical concept of shalom as completeness or wholeness? Can you think of other everyday analogies that similarly represent peace?

2. Peace vs. Rest:

The sermon differentiates between peace as completeness and peace as mere rest. How do these distinctions challenge or expand your understanding of peace in your own life?

3. The Role of Brokenness:

The sermon highlights moments of brokenness (e.g., the missing charger, the overflowing toilet) as contrasts to peace. How does focusing on “what can’t break” shift our response to these moments of fracture in life?

4. Shepherds and the Advent of Peace:

The shepherds, described as marginalized and unlikely witnesses, are chosen to proclaim peace. What does this tell us about God’s priorities and the nature of divine peace? How does this challenge societal expectations?

5. Personal Application of Peace:

The sermon encourages people to identify fractures in their lives and pray for Christ’s peace. What are some practical ways to incorporate this process of seeking peace into your daily Christian practice?