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A Reflection on Peace - Mary Andeen

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights… . [Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, Life, His Presence] James 1:17

Last Week - We can have Hope based on a firm foundation
--God’s Character
--God’s Word/Promise
--God’s Work on the Cross

BIG IDEA - We can have Peace based on God’s Presence

BIG PROBLEM - We lack peace with God (sin), ourselves (anxiety) and others (division) “Dis-ease” = lack of peace = lacking wholeness = War

Types of Personal Anxiety
---General Anxiety Disorder (genetic)
---Acute Anxiety (current real threat)
---Post Traumatic Stress (past)
---Chronic Anxiety (future perceived threat)

The story of peace has a long history, but a very present future in our lives if we live by faith.

Peace = Shalom (Hebrew)

Old Testament - Priestly Blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on youand be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward youand give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Old Testament - Priestly Prophecy
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

Gospels: Prophecy Fulfilled
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

Gospels: The Gift of His Peace
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. John 14:27

New Testament: Peace with God
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-23

New Testament: Peace Within
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Know Jesus, Know Peace
No Jesus, No Peace

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Where do you need peace?
God (sin), self (anxiety), others (division)

Receive the Peace
God, thank you that you are the Prince of Peace. You have made peace possible through the work of Christ and your Spirit in me. Help me to believe and receive it. And may I be astonished by your peace.

Advent Benediction
May God fill you with the hope of eternity, the peace of His presence, the joy of the Lord, and the love of Christ.
And may you grow in astonishment and faith as you receive these glorious gifts from above.
Now and forever more! Amen!

Beyond Sunday
Our Beyond Sunday for the Advent series, Gifts from Above, will use the 28-Day Devotional outlined and linked below.

Resources (see links below)
--Find Family Ministry’s Advent Calendar Cards Packet in the back of the Worship Center, or download the PDF version below.

Daily Devotionals for Peace: (also the Beyond Sunday for this week)

Day 8
--Watch the Peace video
In our second week of advent, we'll explore the biblical meaning of peace and how it all leads to Jesus. How does the video encourage you today?

Day 9
The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it describes a deep sense of well-being that comes through the presence of completion, reconciliation, and justice.

Read: Proverbs 16:7

Reflection and Discussion Questions:
--Considering what you have learned about God in the Bible, name three ways (thoughts, actions, or words) people can bring pleasure to God.

--How do you imagine these three ways could bring peace, even between enemies?

Day 10
The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future king who would make a covenant of shalomwith his people. His reign would right all wrongs and undo all harm.

Read: Isaiah 9:6-7

Reflection and Discussion Questions:
--What words or phrases stand out to you as you observe this passage?

--Based on this passage, how does the Prince of Peace govern his Kingdom?

--How can you cooperate with God to expand his peaceful rule in the places where you live?

Day 11
The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of the Prince of Peace, whose reign would lead to eternal shalom. Isaiah’s words were fulfilled with the arrival of Jesus. This is why it is so significant that the angels described Jesus’ birth as one that would bring “peace on earth.”

Read: Luke 2:9-15, Isaiah 9:6-7

Reflection and Discussion Questions:
--Why do you think God announced the arrival of the King to no-name shepherds? What does this tell you about the nature of God and his Kingdom?

--Notice the words “highest” and “earth” in the angel’s worshipful announcement. What came from the heights of Heaven to Earth when Jesus was born? How is this good news?

Day 12
The biblical story shows how humanity often chooses a way of life apart from God and suffers as a result. God knows how painful it is to be separated from him. He wants to be close to humanity, so he sends Jesus to make peace. Through Jesus, all things are being restored to harmony with God again.

Read: Colossians 1:19-23

Reflection and Discussion Questions:
--According to this passage, what did God want to do, and how did he accomplish his desire through Jesus?

Day 13
The apostle Paul says Jesus himself is our peace. Jesus removed all the things that separate humanity from one another and from God and now offers his peace to others as a gift. Jesus’ followers are called to receive, keep, and cultivate this gift of peace, which requires humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

Read: Ephesians 2:11-15, Ephesians 4:1-3, Ephesians 4:29-32

Reflection and Discussion Questions:
--How did Jesus make peace between two sharply divided people groups (Jews and Gentiles), and why did he do it (see Ephesians 2:16)?

--Review Ephesians 4:1-3 carefully. How can humility, gentleness, patience, and love help to maintain the unity Jesus made for his followers? What happens to unity when one of these virtues is missing?

Day 14
The apostle Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from prison. He knows hardship, but he also knows the peace of God. This is because biblical peace, like hope, is based on a person and not on circumstances. Paul calls followers to rejoice in God at all times, to pray, to give thanks, and to think on what is good and true. Paul shows how these habits can lead to experiencing the peace of God even in the midst of great difficulty.

Read: Philippians 4:1-9

Reflection and Discussion Questions:
--Review verses 7 and 9. What does God’s peace protect?

--Make a list of the instructions Paul gives in Philippians 4:1-9 (e.g. “stand firm in the Lord,” “live in harmony,” etc).

--Observe your list and imagine making one into a habit. What would that habit practically look like in your daily life? How do you think it could lead to a renewed experience of God’s protective peace?

For PCC's budgeted giving year
(June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023)

Annual Budget: $3,000,000

Giving Update (as of 11/29/22)
Needed to Date: $1,500,000
Giving to Date: $1,358,411
Shortfall to Date: $ 141,589