I LOVE this time of year… something about the colder weather, Christmas decorations, delicious goodies, gatherings and celebrations, Christmas music, Charlie Brown specials, watching ELF, the Michael Buble Christmas special, and so on. Can you relate?
But for too many people the joy of the holiday is as hollow as your neighbor’s snowman lawn inflatable. Take your pick of the holiday stress increasers:
- Less time to get more done
- Increased expenses and financial pressure
- Awkward family gatherings at “uncle Fred’s” place
- Having to get that “just right” gift
- Reminders of painful loss or personal crisis
On Sunday I shared this message, “Jesus is Restoring Peace.” I hope it encourages you to embrace Jesus as your PEACE during this Advent season.
While many struggle to find peace w/out God, He is NEVER short on offering it. In fact, God is PASSIONATE about RESTORING PEACE!
God’s Promise… The Prince of PEACE!
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.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
ISA 9:6-7
The One God sent to rescue people out of darkness and into light, was the Prince of Peace! Jesus is not a cosmic kill joy or angry judge. He is the ruler of PEACE! This is GOOD NEWS!!!
Jesus Came to Restore PEACE
All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 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 14:25-27
NOT as the World Gives Peace
Notice Jesus doesn’t give peace as the world gives… How does the world give peace? Temporary at best! (things, power, position, even serving and generosity are often about how it makes ME feel)
Jesus Gives Real PEACE
How does God give peace? His faithful, never failing promises that can NEVER be broken!
For example:
- If you want to follow Jesus, Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
- If you want to be in healthy relationships, Eph 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
As we soak in and LISTEN to God’s promises, the Holy Spirit bears more of His fruit in us, which includes peace!
Peace is Really About ONE THING
Restoring PEACE this Advent season comes down to one thing… JESUS… restoring Him to the center of our lives.
The way we attempt to do that is our (at Restoration Church) Way of Life… It’s how we seek to live centered in Jesus. Jesus doesn’t barge into our lives and make everything right. He shows up at the door of our hearts and knocks… it’s up to us to not only let Him; but to give Him access to every area of our lives, every room of the house!
Way of Life Plan
Our church is developing a plan to help us take steps of growth in the core areas of spiritual formation. Our Way of Life includes five spiritual formation rhythms. Growing in this Jesus-centered Way of Life is a sure fire way to experience PEACE this Advent season!
HERE is a link to our Way of Life Plan. You can use this to develop your own plan. May God use this to bring great PEACE and JOY into your life.
CONCLUSION
We’re three weeks from Christmas Day. Join me in making this a Jesus-centered season like none before. Let’s let Jesus into every area, every room, and experience the Peace that only He can bring! Let’s do this together and end 2016 and start the New Year truly joining the RESTORATION that God is bringing, starting IN us!