Advent Week 2: Peace - "peace In The Prince Of Peace" Series

Advent Week 2: Peace - "Peace in the Prince of Peace"

Introduction:

Dear friends, as our Advent journey unfolds, our hearts are drawn to the theme of peace.

Today, we explore the promise of a coming Messiah, a Prince of Peace, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah. Let's delve into the profound peace that Christ brings into our lives.

The Promise of a Prince of Peace:

Isaiah 9:6 (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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah's prophecy unveils one of the titles of the Messiah—Prince of Peace.

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

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) - "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"

Imagine a serene lake untouched by ripples—a picture of perfect peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace offers a tranquillity that remains undisturbed by life's storms.

Understanding True Peace:

Philippians 4:7 (NLT) - "Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand."

True peace transcends the absence of conflict. It's a peace that surpasses human understanding, a gift from God Himself.

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

Experiencing Peace Amid Chaos:

John 14:27 (NLT) - "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give."

Even in life's chaos, the Prince of Peace offers a unique gift—a peace that the world cannot replicate.

Illustration: Consider a sturdy lighthouse standing firm amidst a storm. In Christ, we find a similar anchor, providing peace in the midst of life's tempests.

The second Advent candle, symbolises the peace that Christ offers—a peace that guards our hearts and minds.

The Transformative Power of Peace:

Romans 12:2 (NLT) "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

The peace offered by the Prince of Peace is not just a passive state; it's transformative. It reshapes our thinking, aligning it with God's will, and brings about a renewal of our inner selves.

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

Navigating the Storms of Life:

Psalm 29:11 (NLT) "The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace."

Life's storms are inevitable, but the Prince of Peace provides strength and stability in the midst of them. Our peace is not shaken because it's anchored in the Lord.

Picture a tree firmly rooted, swaying but not uprooted in a storm. In Christ, we find our roots anchored deep in the soil of His love.

A Peaceful Response to Adversity:

James 3:17-18 (NLT) "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness."

The peace of Christ not only sustains us in trials but also influences our responses to adversity. It transforms us into peacemakers, sowing seeds of peace in a world hungry for harmony.

Someone once wisely said, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

Extending the Peace of Christ:

Matthew 5:9 (NLT) "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."

We are called not only to experience the peace of Christ but to actively work for peace. As children of God, our lives should reflect the peaceful nature of our heavenly Father.

Think of a pebble creating ripples in a pond. Our acts of peace can have a ripple effect, touching lives far beyond our immediate surroundings.

May our lives symbolize not just the individual peace we experience but the collective peace we can bring to the world as ambassadors of the Prince of Peace.

Conclusion:

May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, not only guard our hearts and minds but propel us to be ambassadors of peace in a world desperate for it. As we continue our Advent journey, let our lives be a testimony to the transformative and unshakeable peace found in the Prince of Peace. In Him, we discover not just a momentary respite but a lasting and profound peace that echoes through eternity. Amen.