4 Themes of traditional Advent: HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE.
1. For many of us, peace is the of something in our lives.
John 14:27 (NIV) 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.
Philippians 4:7 (ESV) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2. There is a peace available that supersedes peace.
Mark 4:38 (ESV) But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him
and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Mark 4:38 -41(ESV) 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him
and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
3. Peace is the of .
Revelation 20:22 (NIV) He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Final Thought: Peace is not just the absence of ; but the presence of .