he peace we are looking at is not subjective, inner calm in one’s spirit, those who never engage in disagreement, or a compromising spirit. The biblical concept of peace is different. It is not merely the lack of conflict, hostility, or Wherever Jesus goes, he brings peace. He is the Prince of Peace. When he was born and came to earth, the angels cried, “Peace on earth.” Peace was the farewell gift he left to his disciples. The greatest “peace” Jesus achieved for us is that He took away the enmity between us and God by His death on the cross.  

Charlie Chaplin said, “I am at peace with God. My conflict is with man.”  

The world seems to grow more hostile everyday. We live in an age of individual, ethnic, political and national aggression. Anger and frustration harness enormous energy and they want results fast. We live in a broken world marred by sin, but the command to live peaceably is meant, not for an ideal environment, but for this sinful world, a world inhabited by people like us.  

As Christians, we can have peace with God because of Jesus and then actively work to bring about peace and reconciliation where there is hatred and enmity. Peacemakers are not primarily concerned with themselves, their rights, or what others think. Peacemakers are recognized as members of God’s family. How can we pursue peace in a world gone mad?  

Advent 2020: Peace Sermon Series - 12.13.20