Advent: Embracing Peace In The Midst Of Chaos Series

Advent: Embracing Peace in the Midst of Chaos

Introduction:

As we gather on this second Sunday of Advent, our hearts are drawn to the theme of peace.

In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and noise, the promise of peace holds profound significance.

Listen to the words of Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.

5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.

6 The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!

7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.

9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.

He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; He burns the shields with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world.”

11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Friends in every circumstance of life, we can have Peace when we Be still, and know that God, the great I am, is God.

Embracing Peace in the Midst of Chaos

Today, we are going to explore the timeless message of peace offered by the Prince of Peace, a message that remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "The peace of God is that eternal calm which lies far too deep in the human soul to be reached by any external disturbances."

Today, we delve into this deep and eternal peace promised by God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Promise of a Prince of Peace:

Listen to Isaiah, chapter 9, verse 6 (NLT): "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) is a prophetic verse from the Old Testament that is often associated with the anticipation of the Messiah in Christian theology.

Let's break down its meaning:

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us." This part of the verse refers to the promise of the birth of a special child, a son.

The language used here suggests the miraculous nature of this birth and highlights the significance of the child.

"The government will rest on his shoulders." This phrase signifies that this child will bear the responsibility of governing or ruling.

It implies a position of authority and leadership that goes beyond earthly kingdoms. The idea is that the ultimate authority will be placed upon the shoulders of this prophesied child.

"And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Here, the verse lists four titles or names that will be attributed to the child. Each of these titles provides insight into the nature and role of the anticipated Messiah:

1. Wonderful Counselor: This suggests extraordinary wisdom and guidance. The Messiah is seen as a source of divine counsel, offering profound and wise advice.

2. Mighty God: This title emphasizes the deity of the Messiah. It declares that the coming child is not just a human figure but is, in fact, God in might and power.

3. Everlasting Father: This title conveys a sense of eternal fatherhood. The Messiah is portrayed as a caring and nurturing father figure, whose love and protection extend throughout eternity.

4. Prince of Peace: This title highlights one of the central themes of the Advent season—peace.

The Messiah is anticipated as the one who will bring a reign of peace, both in the hearts of individuals and in the world at large.

Isaiah 9:6 is a powerful prophecy foretelling the birth of a child who will hold a divine authority, possess extraordinary wisdom, embody the might of God, exhibit the characteristics of an everlasting and caring father, and bring a transformative and lasting peace to humanity.

This verse points to the coming of Jesus Christ,

He fulfils all of these prophetic roles.

Jesus is the Messiah — Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

This peace isn't fleeting; it's perfect and enduring for those who trust in God.

R.T. Kendall reminds us, "True peace is not merely a distant goal but the very present, living presence of Christ."