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. (Isaiah 9:6)
As we gather on this second Sunday of Advent, our focus shifts to a profound and essential aspect of our faith and the Advent season – Peace. In a world often beset by turmoil and strife, the Advent message of peace is both timely and timeless. It is a call to reflect on the peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings into our lives and the world.
The concept of peace in the Bible is rich and multi-dimensional. It goes beyond the absence of conflict, encompassing wholeness, wellbeing, harmony, and the right relationship with God and with one another. In the book of Isaiah, we find a prophecy about Jesus that highlights this: “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” (Isaiah 9:6).
This prophecy not only foretold the coming of Christ but also the nature of the kingdom He would inaugurate – a kingdom characterized by peace. This peace is not as the world gives; it is a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that can calm troubled hearts even in the midst of chaos.
In today’s sermon, we will explore three key dimensions of this peace: the peace Christ brings to our hearts, the peace He calls us to have with one another, and the peace we are encouraged to cultivate in our communities. As we journey through these themes, let us open our hearts to the profound message of peace that Advent brings.
The Peace of Christ in Our Hearts
The second Sunday of Advent turns our hearts and minds towards a profound spiritual truth: the peace that Christ brings to our hearts. This peace, as described in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” is a divine gift. It’s a tranquil assurance that emerges not from the world but from a deep and personal relationship with Christ.
This transformative peace offered by Christ is independent of external circumstances. It’s not a peace contingent upon life’s fleeting comforts or material possessions. Rather, it’s a steadfast, enduring peace that holds firm amidst life’s tempests, offering comfort and strength. Jesus articulates this beautifully in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Here, Jesus distinguishes the peace He offers from any worldly peace – it’s a peace that soothes troubled hearts and allays fears.
This peace of Christ is deeply personal and restorative. It reaches into the very depths of our being, healing wounds, calming fears, and fostering a profound sense of security and belonging. This is the peace that arises from recognizing and embracing our identity in Christ, along with the eternal hope He offers. Psalm 29:11 reinforces this, stating, “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” It’s a peace that strengthens and blesses, a true gift from the Lord to His people.
Embracing this peace, however, requires an active engagement on our part. It demands trust in God’s perfect plan and timing, an act that often involves surrendering our deepest worries and anxieties. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” This verse highlights the connection between trust in God and the peace that results from it. To trust God is to allow His peace to take root in our hearts.
Moreover, embracing this peace involves delving deeper into God’s word and spending time in His presence through prayer and meditation. As we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures and open our hearts in prayer, we allow His peace to permeate our lives more fully. In Psalm 119:165, we find, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Loving God’s law, engaging deeply with His word, brings great peace and stability to our lives.
This peace also calls for self-reflection and introspection. It requires examining our lives and aligning them more closely with Christ’s teachings. As we align our thoughts, actions, and attitudes with the Gospel, the peace of Christ becomes more evident in our lives. Colossians 3:15 encourages us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” This ruling peace is a hallmark of a life deeply connected to Christ.
In conclusion, the peace that Christ offers is a profound and life-changing gift. It’s a peace that goes beyond mere absence of conflict – it’s a peace that fills our hearts, renews our minds, and transforms our lives. As we continue in this Advent season, let us seek and embrace this peace wholeheartedly, allowing it to guide us and shape us into the image of Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Living in Peace with One Another
In the heart of the Advent season, as we reflect on the peace that Christ brings, it’s crucial to recognize that this peace is not a treasure to be hoarded but a gift to be shared. Ephesians 4:3 calls us to this higher standard, urging us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This scripture is not merely a suggestion; it’s an active directive to pursue reconciliation, mutual understanding, and respect in all our relationships.
Living in peace with others encompasses a range of Christ-like attributes: forgiveness, patience, and humility. It involves a conscious decision to set aside our differences, to look beyond our individual needs and interests, and to prioritize the wellbeing of others. Romans 12:18 offers profound guidance in this regard: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This verse acknowledges that while we may not control every situation or reaction, we are responsible for our own approach to peace.
This pursuit of peace requires intentional effort. It is about actively engaging in empathetic listening, trying to understand the experiences and perspectives of others, and seeking to resolve conflicts in a spirit of love and understanding. James 1:19 advises us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” emphasizing the importance of listening in building peaceful relationships.
Building peace also involves recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual, seeing each person as made in the image of God. This recognition is vital in overcoming prejudices and biases that can hinder peaceful interactions. Galatians 3:28 reminds us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This unity in Christ is the foundation for peaceful living among diverse groups of people.
Moreover, living in peace is not just about avoiding conflict; it’s about actively cultivating harmonious relationships. Colossians 3:12-14 encourages us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” These virtues are essential ingredients in the recipe for peace.
Furthermore, our efforts to live in peace with others serve as a powerful testimony to the world of Christ’s transformative love. Our peaceful interactions provide a glimpse of the kingdom of God, where love, justice, and peace reign. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This beatitude underscores the value Jesus places on peacemaking as a reflection of our divine identity.
In practical terms, living in peace with others can manifest in small, everyday actions: a kind word to a neighbor, an act of forgiveness toward a family member, or collaboration and mutual respect in the workplace. It can also take the form of community involvement, advocating for justice, and contributing to initiatives that foster peace and reconciliation.
In summary, as we continue our Advent journey, let us embrace the call to live in peace with one another. Let us remember that each effort to bridge divides, each act of kindness, and every word spoken in love contributes to the tapestry of peace that Christ desires for our world. May our lives reflect the peace of Christ, bringing light and harmony to every corner of our world.
Promoting Peace in Our Communities
Promoting peace in our communities means following the example set by Jesus. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, provided us with a profound and timeless example of what it means to be a peacemaker.
First and foremost, Jesus exemplified the essence of peace in his very being. His teachings and actions consistently emphasized love, compassion, and forgiveness. He not only preached these values but lived them out in his interactions with others. His willingness to embrace individuals from all walks of life, including tax collectors, sinners, and marginalized members of society, serves as a powerful reminder of the inclusivity and acceptance that should permeate our communities.
Moreover, Jesus’ life was a testament to his commitment to addressing the root causes of discord and division. He challenged societal norms and confronted the religious authorities when they engaged in hypocrisy or oppression. His courageous actions in overturning the money changers’ tables in the temple underscore his dedication to justice and righteousness. As peacemakers, we must also be willing to confront injustice and work toward dismantling systems that perpetuate inequality.
Jesus’ ability to bridge divides and build bridges of understanding is another aspect of his peacemaking example. He engaged in meaningful dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds, breaking down barriers and promoting unity. His interactions with the Samaritan woman at the well, who was treated poorly by her own people and Jews at that time, and his association with individuals like Zacchaeus, who was regarded as the worst sinner due to his tax-collector job, highlight his commitment to breaking down societal divisions. In our communities, we should strive to emulate this aspect of Jesus’ ministry by fostering dialogue and empathy among individuals who may hold differing perspectives.
One of the most profound examples of Jesus’ commitment to peace was his response to violence and hatred. When faced with betrayal, arrest, and eventual crucifixion, he did not respond with retaliation or vengeance. Instead, he offered forgiveness and prayed for his enemies, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This act of supreme grace and forgiveness challenges us to examine our own responses to conflict and hostility in our communities. It calls us to seek reconciliation and extend forgiveness, even in the face of adversity.
Additionally, Jesus’ ministry was marked by acts of compassion and service. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the brokenhearted. His selfless acts of kindness demonstrate that peacemaking is not limited to addressing conflicts but also involves actively caring for the needs of those around us. As we strive for peace in our communities, we should follow Jesus’ example by engaging in acts of service and compassion to uplift and support those in need.
In conclusion, Jesus’ life and teachings provide a profound example of what it means to be peacemakers in our communities. His commitment to love, justice, reconciliation, and service should inspire us to actively pursue peace in our own lives and neighborhoods. As we reflect on the Advent theme of peace, may we be guided by the life and teachings of Jesus, working tirelessly to create environments where peace, justice, and unity reign, and where the love of Christ is made evident to all. Let us heed the clarion call to action, striving to be true children of God by promoting peace in our communities.
Summary and Life Application
As we reflect on the theme of peace this Advent season, let us embrace the comprehensive peace that Christ offers – peace in our hearts, peace with one another, and peace in our communities. This peace is a gift, a responsibility, and a calling.
In the coming week, let us find practical ways to live out this peace. Let’s start by seeking peace in our hearts through prayer and reflection. Let us strive to resolve conflicts, extend forgiveness, and show kindness and understanding in our interactions with others. And let us look for opportunities to promote peace and justice in our communities.
As we light the second candle of Advent, the candle of Peace, let it remind us of the Prince of Peace, who came to bring a peace that surpasses all understanding. May this candle symbolize our commitment to being instruments of Christ’s peace in a world that desperately needs it.
May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, guide our interactions, and inspire our actions. And as we journey through this Advent season, may we be a reflection of the peace that Christ came to bring. Amen.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)