The Peace And Preparation Of Advent

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

- Luke 2:1-14

The second theme (or candle) of Advent (which means “coming” or “arrival”), covering the week of December 4 through 10, is PREPARATION and PEACE.

We begin this week by focusing on the preparation of Mary and Joseph as they awaited the birth of Jesus. It was a tumultuous time for them. First, Mary learns that she is pregnant, not by human means, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph must then make the difficult decision as to whether to proceed with his plans to wed Mary, despite the fact that she is pregnant out of wedlock. Then, to make matters worse, they need to travel to Bethlehem, a difficult journey for anyone, let alone a pregnant young woman.

When they arrive in Bethlehem, there is no room available to them, so they are forced to make their way to the stable to prepare for the baby’s birth. From any vantage point, this seems more a time of chaos than peace.

Yet, when the baby Jesus is born, angels appear to shepherds abiding in the surrounding fields watching their sheep, and the angels proclaim to the shepherds,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

- Luke 2:14

Peace. What exactly does it mean that Jesus will bring peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests?

Jesus brings the most important peace man can ever know, peace between us and God, a peace that comes from being reconciled unto God because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross, and an internal peace (one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit) for all those who are in relationship with Him. It is a peace that allows us to experience calm amidst the trials and sufferings of this world. The Apostle Paul describes it this way in Philippians 4:6-7:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:6-7

Despite the conflict and turmoil that exists in this world, Jesus offers us a peace that passes all understanding.

It is a peace that will sustain us while we exist on this planet, and, just as importantly, it is a promise of a peace that is yet to come, when Jesus will return one day to make all things right in this world.

As Christ-followers this Christmas season, like Mary and Joseph, despite the chaos of our circumstances and surroundings, may we prepare for His coming. And may we know that the peace we receive from Him is not a peace the world can give, but a peace that can only come from He who has overcome the world.

May we not only be receivers of that peace, but givers as well, bringing a little of Heaven to earth as we prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Pastor Ken

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