The Arrival of Peace

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For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures … --1 Corinthians 15:3–4 Our world has spent the past month going through a whirlwind of consumerism mixed with religion and a dash of spirituality when appropriate. Now that we’re just a few days from December 25th, let’s try to answer this question: What is the meaning of the Christmas season?  If you asked 20 people on the street this question, you’d probably get 20 answers. Some might say, “Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” Others might answer, “It’s about being with those you love.” Now there’s a lot of truth in both of those answers, but they’re really both inadequate because they miss the main point: Jesus. So I want to give you what I believe the Bible says is the real meaning of this season: In Jesus Christ, our greatest need is exposed; and in Jesus Christ, God’s greatest deed is disclosed. He came for us, He died for us, and He rose again for us. If we can start living our lives in light of this key truth, we can have Christmas in our hearts year round. So start living today with a new awareness of what Christ did for you by coming into the world! The Arrival of Peace Sunday, December 22, 2019 by Dr. Paul Chappell “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6–7 When sin came into the world, the perfection that God had created was broken. Among the things that was lost in the fall was the perfect peace that had previously existed. Now both man and nature live in strife and conflict. The prophet Isaiah was given a vision of the future in which that peace will be fully restored. “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 65:25). The foundation for that future was laid when Jesus came into the world. It was not by accident that the angel announced to the shepherds, “Peace on earth” when He was born in Bethlehem. Jesus is the only source of real and lasting peace in a broken and sinful world. And He did not merely offer the possibility of peace, but instead the promise of lasting peace to those who believe in Him. The night before the crucifixion Jesus told the disciples, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). He is our peace, and the peace that He gives can never be taken away. Today's Growth Principle: There is no peace in a sinful, fallen world except that brought into the world by the Prince of Peace.