Peace, sweet peace. Isn’t that we long for? Before Jesus left this earth, He infused the disciples with His Peace:
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
You may be thinking “that’s easier said than done! Have you seen the trouble in this world?” But look at the verses again. Jesus didn’t just say “go in peace” or “I pray you find peace.” No, Jesus GAVE them peace. But not just any peace, HIS peace. That’s not the same kind of peace that you find in the world. A world that is so bent on self-help that everybody is a guru on mindfulness now. A world that is so consumed with instant relief that we medicate, over-medicate, and self-medicate in harmful ways. Our hearts can become troubled and fear sets in.
But Jesus has given us His peace. Not one of those “Peace be with you” phrases that we tell folks. Jesus said that He was leaving His peace with us. As a permanent part of our spiritual DNA. When we give our life to Christ, His Spirit infuses us with His peace. He fills us, permeates us, to the point that we take on His peace. We're infused by the Holy Spirit with unstoppable peace.
The more time we spend in the Lord's presence, the more peace we’ll have. After all, who better to give us peace than the One who is the Prince of Peace…
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the Presence of God! Spend some time in the Presence of the Holy One, and let His peace infuse your heart and your soul. Then everywhere we go, the world will see the peace we have in Him, unstoppable peace. And it will draw others to Jesus, bringing Peace, the Prince of Peace, to the world! What an Advent!
This Sunday is the second Sunday of the Advent season. A time of peace. A time when we remember the birth of our Savior, the long-awaited Prince of Peace. I invite you to join us for worship, as we continue the Advent Sermon Series: Unstoppable. This Sunday’s message: Unstoppable Peace.
Let There be Heat! Our HVAC unit that heats the Sanctuary decided to retire! While that and the threat of ice stopped us from having worship last week, you can’t keep a good church down! We will have heat in the Sanctuary thanks to a commercial portable heating unit. So, don’t worry, we will gather together this Sunday, enjoy Holy Communion, and the wonderful sounds of the Cantata!
Family Meeting Since we were not in church last Sunday, we will have updated financial information and a discussion on some pressing expenses (such as the heat) after worship on this Sunday. All members are asked to stay, after which we will enjoy refreshments together!
Advent Bible Study continues on Wednesday. We are using my Advent devotions as the point of discussion. We will be in-house only with a potluck dinner at 5:45pm, followed by the class from 6:30-7:30pm. Two more weeks to go!
Christmas Cantata This glorious musical celebration will take place on Sunday, December 8 during worship! Our wonderful choir, guest musicians, and the merriment of the Christmas message!
Vision for 2024:
A House United:
Strong Faith, Strong Families, Strong Future!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
Comments