Christmas – Pt 2
Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Luke 2:9-14 NKJV
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!”
Isaiah 9:7 NLT
7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
1. Peace with God.
Romans 5:1 (NLT)
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Colossians 1:19-20 (NLT)
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
2. Peace is a gift.
John 14:27 (NLT)
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
3. Peace is a guard and guide.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:15 (NLT)
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
4. Peace for the future.
Micah 4:3-4 (NLT)
The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. 4 Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise!
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: You can have peace in the waiting when you let the Prince of Peace rule your heart.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Luke 2:4-14 and Isaiah 9:6-7. His promised peace is available wherever He rules and reigns. How do you walk in His promised peace?
▶ Read Colossians 1:19-20. Share what this verse means to you personally. In what ways might your life be transformed if you fully embraced the peace God offers?
▶ Philippians 4:6-7 says, “His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Share about a time when you experienced His peace in a season of waiting.
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
What choices will you make this week that will help you walk in peace while you are waiting? Who is someone you can pray for peace and support in their season of waiting?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Pray that we would walk in peace while we wait in anticipation of Christ’s return. Ask that He would help to guard our hearts and minds.