Week 3 The Gift of Peace (6-8) Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 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. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Luke 2:8-14 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Ask who is busy this time of year? Who is stressed?
Remember the gift of peace. Sometimes have a hard time understanding this gift with our busy lives.
Tonight I will lead you through a contemplation. We heard the story of the shepherds and we often blow right through it. It’s a nice story it’s a Christmassy story but then we are off to something else.
Contemplation is a practice. “I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple” - Psalm 27:4
I sometimes struggle to relate to that Psalm. The one thing I want isn’t always to just gaze on the beauty of the Lord.
In order to contemplate we need something to focus on. In the story of the Shepherds contrast is something we can pay attention to and let it help us slow down.
Night/glory of the Lord And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
Describe scene
Highlight contrast of night to the glory of the Lord
Silence for about 25 seconds.
Fear/Joy 10 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.
Describe scene
Fear of an angel. Angels have wiped out whole armies.
Joy of their message.
Silence for about 25 seconds.
Heavenly savior/baby in a manger 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Describe scene
Yahweh Sabaoth 1 Kings 22:19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left;
Small baby in a manger
Silence for about 25 seconds.
Army/choir 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
Describe scene
Would expect this host to be an army but it is a choir
Silence for about 25 seconds.
War/Peace 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Describe scene
God brings Peace out of all the chaos of the world
Silence for about 25 seconds.
Conclusion: This Peace comes to us in the chaos of our lives too. Let it cut through the busyness and noise around you.