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“For he himself is our peace…” - Ephesians 2:14

The accounts of Jesus’ birth recorded in both Matthew and Luke’s gospels are anything but peaceful. In fact, the birth of Christ was intensely disruptive. The announcement of the virgin birth turns Joseph and Mary’s plans upside down as they find themselves at the very center of the most amazing and unbelievable stories. Magi travel an incredibly long distance to offer costly gifts to the newborn King only to end up being confronted by an evil and insecure infanticidal king.

The disruption that began at the manger would follow Jesus all the way to the cross.

Zechariah loses his ability to speak for nine months. Shepherds are nearly scared to death by a multitude of angels and become the most unexpected first visitors to the royal child and his manger throne. And this is just the beginning of the story! The disruption that began at the manger would follow Jesus all the way to the cross. How, then, can the birth of Christ bring us peace?

Nothing we could ever do could mend our broken relationship with him. Yet, we are not without hope.

Ever since the Fall in Genesis 3, all of humanity has been at odds with God. Rather than desiring him, we desire ourselves and temporal things. Rather than trusting him, we trust ourselves. Rather than seeking his glory, we seek the vain approval of others. Rather than being satisfied in him, we seek satisfaction in broken cisterns. This is sin, and the result is alienation, condemnation, guilt, fear, shame, and endless thirst. Because of sin, we are at odds with God. Because our sin is so great, and God’s glory and righteousness is so infinitely valuable, there is no way for us to make peace with God. Nothing we could ever do could mend our broken relationship with him. Yet, we are not without hope.

Through his death, Jesus paid the full price for our sin, rebellion, and redemption.

While it is impossible for us to mend our broken relationship with God, it is not impossible for God to mend it. Christmas is God’s answer to our sin problem. Jesus is our peace. He was born in the manger so that, one day, he could die on the cross. Through his death, Jesus paid the full price for our sin, rebellion, and redemption. His perfect life and atoning sacrifice has once and for all disrupted the rule and reign of sin over us.

Liturgy

Lord of AdventPeace,
Our souls are troubled, our minds are weary, our bodies are worn.
We seek peace, but find it not.

Like Peter, we come to you, because only you have the words of life.

You entered a world full of strife and war.
You drew near to sinners like us.
You came to bring us peace.

Through your birth, death, and resurrection,
you have done away with our sin once and for all.

At your birth, peace was announced.
At your cross, peace was purchased.
At your resurrection, peace reigned.

Lord, we thank you for the gift of your peace.
Peace which surpasses all understanding.

Fill us with it now, that our conflicts and questions may find their resolution in you.

Teach us to live at peace with our neighbors.
Help us to for give as you have forgiven us.
May your perfect peace reign in us,

Amen