Rev. David Holwick Christmas Eve
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
December 24, 2001
Luke 2:14
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I. Peace is one of the greatest longings of mankind.
A. Often lacking in history.
A "Canadian Army Journal" article says historians calculate
since 3600 B.C., the world has known only 292 years of peace.
During this period there have been 14,531 wars, large and small.
3,640,000,000 people have been killed.
Since 650 B.C. there have been 1,656 arms races, only 16 of
which have not ended in war.
Those 16 caused the economic collapse of the countries
concerned.
Tan #7148
B. Our world remains a violent place.
1) Fighting in Israel.
Bethlehem is ringed by Israeli tanks and soldiers to
prevent Arafat from attending Christmas mass.
2) Fighting in Afghanistan, then Iraq??
a) Christmas greetings from soldiers on CNN.
C. Even Christmas can get violent.
A few years ago there was a news story about a young boy in
Chicago who went up to a street Santa, yanked his beard and
then let it go.
The beard smacked Santa in the face.
In retaliation, Santa hurled the bell he was ringing at the
boy.
The boy ducked.
The bell missed him but hit another youngster in the head.
The father of the second boy was furious.
He hit Santa, knocking him to the ground where he continued to
beat him.
Finally a policeman turned the corner, saw what was happening
and hit the father with his nightstick.
Santa finished up the night in jail, and the two others went to
the hospital!
So much for peace on earth!
Pastor's Story File. Volume 13, Number 2, page 1
D. Is genuine peace possible?
II. Peace is the greatest promise of the Christmas event.
A. Old Testament prophets: "Prince of peace" is coming. Isa 9:6
1) His reign of peace will never end. Isa 9:7
2) Even Jerusalem will know peace. Isa 33:20
3) By wounds of Messiah we receive peace. Isa 53:5
B. New Testament view of peace.
1) Angels herald peace for earth. Luke 2:14
a) Not a wish, but a present reality.
b) Jews - peace (shalom) is equivalent to salvation.
1> Peace arrived personally for Simeon. Luke 2:29
2) Teachings of Jesus.
a) Blessed are peacemakers. Matt 5:9
b) Those who believe in Jesus will experience inner peace.
III. Peace on earth is not a blanket promise.
A. Jesus himself gave predictions of war up to the end. Matt 24
1) He foretold last great battle, Armageddon.
2) Jesus did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matt 10:34
a) Division in families in view, but similar to divisions
in world.
B. Peace is possible now, but not in way many expect.
1) United Nations won't bring it about.
2) Treaties cannot produce it.
IV. Followers of Jesus can have inner spiritual peace.
A. Correct translation: "Peace to men on whom God's favor rests."
1) Not "peace to people who are nice."
2) We must be in right relationship with God.
a) Not a "natural" state due to our sin. Rom 5:1-2
b) Available to all.
c) Must be chosen, by accepting Jesus.
B. God gives us peace of mind by taking away our sins. Isa 53:5
1) It is a peace that is different from the world's
conception. John 14:27
2) Based on Jesus' overcoming the world. John 16:33
a) In Jesus, we can have peace even when all is falling
apart around us.
V. Broader peace is also possible right now.
A. Peace in our relationships.
1) Peace must begin with individuals.
a) Arafat and Sharon.
b) At least one person must change to influence a
relationship.
1> Start with yourself.
2) Peace in our families.
a) Have you had any fights this Christmas season?
1> Putting up tree.
2> Cleaning up the mess.
b) Be a peacemaker.
B. Peace in our communities.
1) 9-11 has brought emphasis on diversity and tolerance.
2) Many Christians are making a difference.
C. Peace in our world.
1) We live in a hostile world, but we are still called to be
peacemakers. Matt 5:9
2) Pray for peace.
VI. Jesus came to earth for a reason.
A. His promise will one day be fulfilled in an absolute way.
1) Peace of millennial kingdom.
2) It will be God's doing, not ours.
B. Do your part of bringing it about by being a person of peace.
1) In way you treat others.
2) In way you lead them to faith in God.
C. Begin by making peace with God in your own heart.
1) He offers best Christmas gift - salvation.
2) Salvation from fear, guilt, defeat.
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