The Gifts of Christmas: PEACE

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The Gifts of Christmas: PEACE Luke 2:8-14

I. The Anxiety Epidemic: We’re #1!! In Anxiety!! II. Jesus—God’s gift to all people Luke 2:10-12 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, who is CHRIST the LORD. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

For Further Study 1. To read the Christmas story in the Bible for yourself, or with your family, or with friends, look at these passages: Matthew 1:18-2:12 Notice the emphasis on Joseph, on the reason Jesus was sent to earth, and on God providing for Jesus and His family through very difficult times.

 Jesus is Savior

Luke 1-2 Luke points us to two miraculous babies (John the Baptist and Jesus), tells the Christmas story through Mary’s perspective, and highlights how Jesus came as Savior for all peoples.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Mark 10:45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

John 1:1-18 John gives the Christmas story from a philosophical and theological perspective—no angels or shepherds, no Mary or Joseph, but powerful truths about Jesus existing in eternity past and coming to earth by taking on human flesh and living among us. 2. It is interesting to read Biblical prophecies about Christmas that were made over 700 years before Jesus was born—and to see how these prophecies revolve around God’s promise to bring peace to His people. Isaiah 7:14 Notice the promise of Jesus’ miraculous birth by a virgin mother, and the name that was given Him, describing the role He would play in our lives. Isaiah 9:1-7 Specifically notice verses 6-7 and the names that describe what Jesus will come to do, and the peace He will bring God’s people.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Jesus is Christ Micah 5:2, 4-5a “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” 4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 5 And he will be our peace.

 Jesus is Lord

If you would like to investigate the truth claims of the Christmas story, we have a free book for you at the Resource Center called The Case for Christmas

Action Steps: Unwrapping the Gift of Peace  Receive the gospel  Preach the truth to our souls: Cling to what is true! Psalm 116:7 Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him Romans 8:31-32 If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but freely gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

John 1:1-3, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made. Without Him nothing was made that has been made. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, full of grace and truth.

 Pray!!! I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

III. God Gets the Glory—We Get the Peace

 Get in Community Talk with someone at Parkview Connect today…join a community group--do life with others who are striving to experience God’s presence in their lives.

Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest ,and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”