Advent: Peace (Week 2)
INTRO
Advent is the true story of the unseen entering the seen. Yet Christ did not forever combine all that is seen and unseen—not yet. He will come again to do that once and for all. But we live in the “now and not yet.” His coming didn’t bring an end to all suffering or divine mysteries. But it did bring peace.
Luke 2:13-14 NIV: 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.”
II Corinthians 4:18 NIV: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Mark 4:37-39 ESV: 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
John 14:27 AMP: Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
His peace is different than the world’s expectation of peace. Christ’s peace brings calm to me, even when it hasn’t yet brought calm to my circumstance. In the meantime, I have to keep looking at the unseen to find peace only He gives.
Isaiah 9:6-7a ICB: “A child will be born to us. God will give a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. 7 Power and peace will be in his kingdom. It will continue to grow.
Psalm 4:8 NIV: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
SILENT NIGHT
