The Peace of the Lord
VBC Albuquerque · Dec 24, 2024
This Christmas sermon explores the profound peace that Christ brings to humanity. Through examining Jesus' early life and the challenges He faced, the sermon reveals that true peace is not worldly peace but peace from God. We are called to receive this peace through faith in Christ, freeing us from desires and inner conflict.
The opening section of the sermon presents the core theme of the peace that the Lord gives. The prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 describes Christ as being called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The sermon reminds us that humanity has encountered an enemy that is none other than itself, indicating that the fundamental problem of mankind lies within the soul. Christ, through His incarnation and life, brings the solution to this state of separation from God.
The second section develops the theological argument by examining Jesus' early history from Bethlehem to Egypt. When Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple, the prophet Simeon warned that this child would be a sign that many would fall and rise because of Him, and that a sword of anguish would pierce Mary's heart. The wise men from the East brought precious gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—expressing their recognition of Him as king, as God, and as Redeemer. When danger arose from King Herod, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt. These events demonstrate that from His birth, Christ faced opposition and trials.
The third section applies the message to the life of the congregation by confronting false declarations of peace. The book of James warns that conflicts arise from desires that wage war within our bodies. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel refute false promises of peace from false leaders. True peace comes only through reconciliation with God through Christ, as Romans 5:1 and 5:10 teach that we are justified by faith and reconciled to God through the death of His Son. Jesus Himself promises that His peace is not like the peace of the world, but rather a peace in the midst of tribulation, knowing that He has overcome the world.
The fourth section focuses on distinguishing between false peace and true peace. The world offers promises of peace, but as Matthew 4:8-9 shows, the devil also tempted Christ with worldly power if He would bow and worship him. Matthew 16:26 warns that if a person gains the whole world but loses his soul, what profit is that. True peace from God comes from seeking the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of the world.
The fifth section concludes that the peace given by God is an infinitely precious reward for those who receive Christ. Lamentations 3:19-20 describes suffering and anguish but also hope in God. We are called to remove the desires that separate us from God, to receive the peace of Christ, and to live in His peace even when facing the trials of the world. This is the Christmas message: true peace is found nowhere except in Christ.