Advent: The promise of Peace
Passage: Luke 2:8-15 Preacher: Laura Nelson
QUICK RECAP
Picture the shepherds out in the fields—outcasts doing the same thing, night after night. Then suddenly: the sky lights up, angels show up, and they hear the most incredible news: “Peace has come!”
But let’s be honest. Peace feels like a pipe dream sometimes, doesn’t it? Anxiety, broken relationships, the stress of life—it’s overwhelming. And the world’s version of peace? It’s like a nice Instagram filter: it looks good but doesn’t last.
So what about God’s peace? It turns out that his peace (known as “Shalom” in Hebrew) is different. It’s not just a lack of conflict or stress. It’s wholeness. It’s everything made right. It’s the life we were created for—peace with God, peace within, peace with others, peace with creation. That’s the peace Jesus brings.
Jesus knew that life presents us with difficulty. Life is not all serene, we do face trouble. But Jesus has not left us alone to face these things, but has given us the gift of His Spirit. Day by day, moment by moment we can choose to live by the Spirit, resulting in the presence of His peace.
And He didn’t just bring peace as a baby in a manger; He made it possible on the cross. His peace doesn’t erase the storms in life, but it holds us safe and steady through them.
So, what about you? Where do you need His “shalom” peace right now? Who in your life needs it too? Let’s ask Jesus to meet us there and trust Him to bring His Shalom—not just for a moment, but for real, lasting wholeness.
