Christmas Peace & Community People
The Advent gift of Peace is so desired & greatly to be treasured.
God’s original creation was marked by the complete and unbroken harmony of relational peace throughout the whole earth:
Peace with God & peace within
Peace with one another and peace without border
How quickly things changed when sin & self-centeredness entered; the absence of peace produced confusion, fear and unrest which eventually led to division, hatred and violence.
The division, oppression and violence of Isaiah’s day and during the days of Jesus’ life on earth is not much different than what we experience today.
God’s promise of peace remains unbroken, but unfortunately unchosen. Will you receive His gift of peace?
God sent His Son as the Prince of Peace to restore His original gift of peace through Christ.
How wonderful and deeply encouraging to know that Jesus came to earth as the Prince of Peace.
Through His life, death & resurrection, Jesus provides peace between God and people. It is this vertical peace with God that then allows us to live in horizontal peace and harmony with one another as His people, called to be peacemakers.
The Hebrew word peace is shalom interpreted: complete, harmony, health, prosperity, rest, safety, welfare, well-being; a peace that is flourishing and increasing!
Peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of community in restored relationships of common good, without fear, with great joy and the profound peace of SHALOM.
“And He will be called…Prince of Peace” –Isaiah 9:6
“And on earth peace to all on whom His favor rests” –Luke 2:14
You’re invited to Christmas peace & community at livingwaters church:
Dec. 21, 9 & 10:30AM –choir & worship team– Prince of Peace
Dec. 24, 4PM -intergenerational Christmas Eve worship- Peace has come
Dec. 28, 10AM -one church service- Increase of His peace
Jan. 4, 10AM -one church Communion service- Peace with God
Come & wonder, come & worship, come & welcome the Prince of Peace!
Shalom my friends,
Pastor Scott
Some of the lyrics from: I heard the bells on Christmas Day by Henry W. Longfellow
Wild & sweet the words repeat of peace of earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said. “For hate is strong & mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud & deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.”