Bulletins - First Baptist Church of Huntersville West Virginia

Here I Am To Worship
O Holy Night
King Of Kings
True peace isn’t found in our circumstances - it is found in the presence of Christ
Luke 2:8–14 CSB
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!
We have to take a step back and remember something - the expectation of the Jewish people was that the coming Messiah would be a conquering King who would deliver them from the oppression of other nations.
At the time of Jesus’ birth it was the Roman Empire - it was also Rome who declared the need for the census (typically used to determine taxes owed) that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.
The announcement of peace on earth was a declaration of victory.
The multitude of angels praising God and announcing the Messiah has come is imagery that is familiar to the people of that time. We will see the same imagery again when Jesus make His triumphal entry prior to His crucifixion.
The imagery is that of a victorious king entering the town he just conquered.
After the battle is won the king would ride into town, the people would line the streets and shout “praise” to signify their allegiance to the conquering king.
There is a second aspect as well… this one goes back to Mosaic Law
Deuteronomy 20:10–12 “10 “When you approach a city to fight against it, make an offer of peace. 11 If it accepts your offer of peace and opens its gates to you, all the people found in it will become forced laborers for you and serve you. 12 However, if it does not make peace with you but wages war against you, lay siege to it.”
The announcement that the Messiah has come is also that offer of peace to the world - in general “messiah” can refer to any expected deliverer, redeemer, or leader who is hoped to rescue people from a difficult situation or solve major problems…
Usually peace comes after swords were lifted, blood was spilled and enemies were crushed
We see God announcing that the delieverer has come - those who accept Him will have peace but those who oppose will be at war - He is also letting them know that the victory is already won just because of the birth that just took place.
Peace has arrived and the battle hasn’t been fought yet.
The announcement of peace was for everyone.
Luke’s gospel show us the announcement coming to shepherds.
In Jewish society shepherds are considered ceremonially unclean - they frequently dealt with dead animals and they couldn’t follow the strict Jewish laws of washing and purification.
They were also often regarded as uneducated, untrustworthy and dishonest - in some cases they were not permitted to give testimony in a Jewish court of law.
Matthew’s gospel tells us about the Magi - these scholars, astrologers, and diplomats from the east…. as they searched for the new king they announced the birth to an earthly king (Herod)
The birth announcement was from the bottom of society to the top.
The shepherds hear it by direct revelation - the Magi discovered it by pursuing prophecy - Herod got it second hand… but all got an invitation to the same Christ.
Of course they all didn’t receive it the same - the shepherd went and worshipped, the Magi came and brought gifts, Herod declared war…
The peace of God is not just for the poor, it is nor just for the powerful, it is not just for the religious, it is not just for those seeking…. peace is for all “people He favors”
Who does He favor? All who will receive the new born King.
Peace often comes in the midst of chaos.
The time of Jesus’ arrival was one of upheaval.
The Romans controlled most of the known world - the Jews were oppressed.
John 14:27 “27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.”
The world tells us that peace comes after the diagnosis clears, after the conflict is resolved, after the marriage improves, after our finances are secure, or after the grief subsides…
The messages of Christmas declares something else: Peace does not wait on our victory - peace rests in Christ’s victory.
His victory didn’t begin with a sword - it began with the Savior in a stable
Let me repeat my first statement - true peaces isn’t found in our circumstances - it is found in the presence of Christ.
We need to understand why…
Our biggest obstacle to peace is not worldly… it is spiritual.
Rome wasn’t Israel’s biggest problem - the issues of this world is not our biggest problem either
Our biggest problem - sin and separation from God
Our biggest need - salvation and restoration
Jesus came to save us, to bring us a peace this world cannot understand without Him
At Christmas, heaven raised the banner of peace before the battle was fought. - The King arrived before the war was won… because the King Himself is the victory. - He came first as the Prince of Peace… and one day He will return as the Warrior King. - Until then — we can live in the calm before the King.
- - Luke 2:8–14CSB

The announcement of peace on earth was a declaration of victory.

The announcement of peace was for everyone.

Peace often comes in the midst of chaos.

Our biggest obstacle to peace is not worldly… it is spiritual.

Luke 2:8–14CSB