Christmas Eve 2017

The Nativity Story – Peace to Men Jesus comes to bring reconciliation to the Father – a message of “comfort and joy” Isaiah 9:6 - And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Luke 2:14 - “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Jesus’ genealogy – Abraham to David, David to exile, exile to Messiah – 14 generations in each period.

The Nativity Story – Peace to Men What is this peace, that is announced and that we are promised? Spiritual peace – eternal – peace with God Emotional peace – internal – peace with self Relational peace – external – peace with others

The Nativity Story – Peace with God Jesus came to reconcile mankind to God This is the peace we can enjoy in our relationship with our Father, through Jesus and by faith – the gift of the Holy Spirit Can be hard-won, and hard to maintain Rare to find people who are at peace, all the time Pray for it, ask for it, have faith for it!

The Nativity Story – Peace with God Isaiah 9:6 - 700 years before Jesus was born Messiah will be called Prince of Peace Luke 2:14 – the Angels announced Jesus’ birth, saying, glory to God and “on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests” John 14:27 – Jesus told His disciples, “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.”

The Nativity Story – Living at peace How to live at peace? The Bible has 790 verses relating to peace! Spiritual. emotional, relational peace Peace with God = eternal Peace within ourselves = internal Peace with others = external

The Nativity Story – Spiritual peace If you don’t feel close to God, you feel out of sorts. But God is never far off! 2 Corinthians 5:18 – Jesus has made peace Romans 5:1, 5:10 – we were enemies – not now! Hebrews 7:27 – Jesus died once and for all

The Nativity Story – Emotional peace Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Shalom – more than “peace” – wellbeing, happiness, comfort, serenity You can have peace in every situation! Peace with God leads to knowing the peace of God – internal peace Matt 6, Luke 12 – Do not worry!

The Nativity Story – Relational peace When we feel far from God, and we are troubled in ourselves, this can separate us from others We are hard-wired for relationships! How can we have true unity when we are so diverse, each unique, with our own perspectives, ideas, ambitions, emotions? It can only be through Jesus!

The Nativity Story – Jesus is our peace Ephesians 2:14 – For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility … 15 … to create in himself one new humanity out of the two … 22 … And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Live in Peace 2 Cor 13:11 – Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Hebrews 12:14 – Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Living in peace is possible, it is desirable, and it is an expectation of Christians; it is desired by God, it is offered freely by Jesus, and made possible through the Holy Spirit How to live life in peace? That will come in my next talk.

The Grace The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ And the love of God And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit Be with us all Now and for ever Amen.

Have a blessed Christmas