SUNDAY LESSON, 12/15/24
GOD WITH US BRINGS PEACE
Luke 2:8-14; John 14:27
Continuing our Christmas sermon series GOD WITH US, we will see this Sunday how Christ BRINGS PEACE to our lives in the midst of pain, turmoil and conflict.
The angels sang to the shepherds the night of Jesus’ birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14). “Peace on earth” is promised to those who turn to Jesus, the Savior of the world. However, this is not the peace the world gives, Jesus tells us in John 14:27, but a different kind of peace—an inner peace between us and God.
The peace that the world gives is fleeting; there will always be conflict and turmoil in this fallen world in which we live (Matthew 24:6). However, the inner peace that Christ came to give between sinful men and a perfect God is eternal, having been secured by God’s peace-offering–the blood of His only begotten Son.
LUKE 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
JOHN 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.