The Prince Who Brings Peace

THE PRINCE WHO BRINGS PEACE

Isa. 9:6; Lk. 2:13-14

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR

1. Nancy Dugan was nearly four as Christmas drew near. Her parents and four older siblings had all tried to prepare Nancy for Christmas by talking with her about the real meaning of Christmas and why their family celebrated it.

2. Nancy had a wonderful Christmas with a lot of presents and toys. A few days later Nancy was talking with her older sister about what a great Christmas she had. Then Nancy said, “I sure hope Joseph and Mary have another baby next year!”

3. Another four-year-old, Skylar, was pestering her uncle about what he would like for Christmas – for the tenth time. He lowered his newspaper, and with a slight growl said, “I told you Skylar, just a little peace and quiet!” She said, “We just got back from the mall and they’re all out of that!”

B. THE DESIRE FOR PEACE IS UNIVERSAL

1. Promoting peace in the world is one of the highest priorities of our Gov’t. If you don’t believe it, consider the billions spent:

a. On brokering peace between Israel & the Palestinians;

b. To hunt down and destroy all the agents of terrorism;

c. All the efforts to stymy the militarism of Iran and North Korea.

2. Why has the use of OxyContin reached such gargantuan proportions? For relief and peace!

3. Why do the Hindus bathe in the holy River in India?

Why do Muslims trek the hot miles to Mecca?

Why do Americans pay enormous amounts to psychiatrists? To get freedom from guilt and a semblance of peace. God wants us to have peace; “Blessed are the peacemakers!”

C. ANNOUNCEMEMNT OF THE ANGELS

1. A true, lasting peace is possible, but it will never be achieved through the efforts of politicians or the use of weapons.

2. The only real prospect for peace was made clear by the angels when they announced the birth of Jesus Christ with the words, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” Luke 2:13-14.

3. Isaiah the Prophet identified the Christ-Child as the bringer of peace when he said, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (9:6).

4. The New International Reader’s Version finishes the above verse, “The Prince Who Brings Peace.”

5. SO WHAT IS THIS PEACE THAT JESUS BRINGS?

I. THE NATURE OF TRUE PEACE

A. WHAT “PEACE” IS NOT:

1. NOT THE STOPPING OF ALL STRIFE

a. People think that if we stop all wars that there will be peace, but this isn’t true.

b. There are many other things that rob us of peace:

*Crime *Delinquent Children

*Marital strife *Job turmoil

*Economic troubles

2. MONEY DOESN’T BRING PEACE. Jay Gould had an enormous fortune. When dying, he said, “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.” Studies show that those with large amounts of money tend to be more unhappy than those moderately well off.

3. NOT FAME OR NOTORIETY

a. George Simenon was one of the most prolific writers who ever lived; he is the most translated writer in the world, except for Vladimir Linen. In April 1970, Simenon finished his 408th novel in a mere nine days!

b. Simenon wrote, “I have only one ambition left, to be completely at peace with myself. I doubt I shall ever manage it. I do not think it’s possible for anyone. It’s not a question of money, for that kind of happiness must come from within yourself. I do not know any man, however successful, who is completely happy. I write, because if I did not, I should die.”

4. PEACE CAN’T BE DERIVED FROM THE “RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES,” for if we’re waiting for the circumstances to be perfect, we’ll never have peace.

B. WHAT PEACE IS:

1. Peace = an undisturbed state of mind, a tranquility, a harmony, a calm even in the midst of the storm.

2. ILLUS. “The Picture of True Peace”

a. Two painters were commissioned to paint a picture depicting the concept of “true peace.”

b. The first painter chose the scene of a still, lone lake among far-off mountains.

c. The second artist chose a thundering waterfall, with a fragile birch tree bending over the foam. At a fork in the branch, almost wet with the cataract’s spray, a robin sat sleeping on its nest.

d. The Judges chose the second as representing true peace. They said, “The first painting only pictures stagnation, but the second, true peace. True Peace must have two elements: tranquility in the midst of turbulence.” [Tan, 7700, # 4296]