Ever notice how Christmas amplifies everything? The good becomes great while the hard things feel harder. But Christmas doesn’t have to be either great or hard. There’s a hope that overcomes anything. On a silent night, a light broke through the darkness. The world watched in awe as love stepped in. Jesus changed everything—including the life that’s possible for us. We can experience the wonder of our Savior. Together we’ll reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in JESUS!

“Peace, I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” John 14:27

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth …” Luke 2:14 NLT

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Sar Shalom: Prince of Peace.

·      Sar: the one in charge, the lord, the chief, the general

·      Shalom: rest, tranquility, wholeness, fullness of peace

The Prince of Peace Gives Us ...

·      Peace With God

·      The Peace of God

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

Hebraic doubling: a linguistic technique in the Hebrew Bible in which a word is repeated to convey an intensified meaning.

shalom shalom: a perfect and unbroken peace; complete well-being, both inward and outward

Peace isn’t found in the absence of problems.

Peace is found in the presence of God.

“[God] will keep in perfect peace … all whose thoughts are fixed on [him]!”  Isaiah 26:3 NLT

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶In all your ways acknowledge [God], and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

The peace of God is found in surrender, not control.

Almost every time you’re worried or afraid …

·      You’re overestimating your ability to control.

·      You’re underestimating the goodness of God.

Are you trying to control something that’s not yours to control?

Just as Jesus gives us peace to comfort us, He can withdraw it to refine us.

“6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

* All scriptures are from the NAS unless otherwise noted