We worshiped with Christmas praise songs and hymns. Our Pastor shared the Christmas Story, from Luke 1 and 2 and Matthew 1 and 2, allowing the younger children to fill in names and places. Pastor then shared his Celebrate message on Peace. He referred to the wonderful Christmas hymn “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” which begins:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
The important phrase he noted is that peace comes through ‘God and sinners reconciled’.
People are drawn to celebrate Christmas. Believers know that draw is due to Jesus who is the promise of the coming of Peace. But if peace was intended for the whole earth, why hasn't peace caught on yet? Before peace can come to the whole world, there must be personal peace – the sinner reconciled with God.
Point: Jesus gives each of us the opportunity for perfect peace. Jesus was born to offer peace to you and me.
Isaiah 26:3 talks about the future where God gives perfect peace.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”This is a long-time peace, not a fleeting moment of peace.
We yearn for peace. We are all under power of sin (Romans 3:9-10) “and the way of peace they do not know” v17. God draws us in for repair process. Jesus was God born on earth to save everyone from their sin though His death.
The promise of the birth (and death) is the greatest news. Peace is available to everyone. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. He has offered us an amazing friendship through His plan of salvation. We get to choose if we accept the gift or not; we can choose to be a sinner reconciled to God.
I chose this wonderful hymn since it inspired the message.
Verses for Today:Ephesians 1:7-10
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
I am so thankful that I believe God is in control and Jesus was born and died to give me the gift of salvation. In all things I have peace in my heart.
