I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day
December 28, 2003
Do you ever feel a little let down after Christmas?
I remember as a child, after all the presents were opened and the turkey was eaten, you looked around and thought "Is that all there is?"
I think the world sometimes says that about our Christmas celebrations. Some of our carols are just unrealistic when it comes to what they claim.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
KJV Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth I said,
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of Peace on earth goodwill to men."
1. God’s promise of peace is not to all.
NIV Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
NAS Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
NRS Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
The promise is only to those upon whom His favour rests.
2. God’s promise is about peace with Him Ephesians 2:11-19
11-12 Our former condition
13-17 The work of Christ
Col. 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
18-19 The results Peace with God and peace with each other
3. When we are at peace with God we can have peace in the midst of trouble
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
