PEACE ON EARTH: THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS

Title: PEACE ON EARTH: THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 2:14
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 9:6-7, John 14:27

INTRODUCTION:
The message of Christmas is one of hope, joy, and most importantly, peace. When the angels announced the birth of Christ, they proclaimed “peace on earth.” This peace goes beyond the absence of conflict—it is a divine gift that transforms hearts, restores relationships, and reconciles humanity with God. Through Jesus, we receive lasting peace that the world cannot give. This message of peace remains relevant today, calling us to experience and share it with others.

1. THE PROMISE OF PEACE

a) Proclaimed by the Angels:
The angels announced peace as a central message of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:14).

b) Peace Foretold by Isaiah:
Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Prince of Peace who would establish an eternal reign of peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).

c) Peace Through Christ’s Kingdom:
Jesus’ rule brings righteousness, justice, and peace to those who submit to Him.

d) The Foundation of Reconciliation:
The birth of Christ paved the way for reconciliation between God and humanity (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

e) Biblical Example:
God’s covenant of peace with Noah after the flood signifies His desire for harmony with His creation (Genesis 9:12-17).

2. PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH CHRIST

a) The Source of True Peace:
True peace begins with being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

b) Peace Through the Cross:
Jesus secured our peace by breaking down the barrier of sin through His death (Ephesians 2:14-16).

c) No Peace Without Christ:
The world’s peace is temporary, but Christ’s peace is eternal (John 14:27).

d) The Gift of Salvation:
Accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour is the first step to experiencing divine peace (Acts 4:12).

e) Biblical Example:
The woman with the issue of blood found peace after encountering Jesus (Mark 5:34).

3. PEACE WITHIN: THE POWER OF INNER TRANQUILLITY

a) Peace That Guards the Heart:
God’s peace protects our hearts and minds in difficult times (Philippians 4:6-7).

b) Casting Our Cares on Him:
We experience peace when we trust God with our burdens (1 Peter 5:7).

c) The Fruit of the Spirit:
Peace is a hallmark of a Spirit-filled life (Galatians 5:22).

d) Victory Over Fear and Anxiety:
Jesus offers peace that triumphs over fear and uncertainty (John 16:33).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus calmed the storm, bringing peace to His disciples and revealing His authority (Mark 4:39).

4. PEACE WITH OTHERS: CHRISTMAS AND RECONCILIATION

a) Peacemakers Are Blessed:
Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, reflecting His character (Matthew 5:9).

b) Forgiveness and Restoration:
Christmas is a time to extend forgiveness and restore broken relationships (Colossians 3:13).

c) Living in Harmony:
God’s peace enables us to live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:18).

d) Breaking Down Barriers:
Christ unites people of different backgrounds into one family of faith (Ephesians 2:19).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph forgave his brothers, bringing peace to his family (Genesis 45:4-7).

5. SHARING THE MESSAGE OF PEACE

a) Proclaiming the Gospel of Peace:
Believers are called to share the message of peace through Christ (Ephesians 6:15).

b) Being Ambassadors of Peace:
Christians are representatives of God’s peace in a troubled world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

c) A Light in Darkness:
By living in peace, we reflect Christ’s light to others (Matthew 5:16).

d) Peace Brings Hope to Others:
Sharing the message of peace inspires hope in those who are hurting (Isaiah 52:7).

e) Biblical Example:
The shepherds shared the good news of Jesus’ birth, spreading the message of peace and joy (Luke 2:17-18).

CONCLUSION:
The message of Christmas is a call to embrace the peace that Jesus brings. This peace reconciles us with God, calms our hearts, and enables us to live in harmony with others. As we celebrate this season, let us reflect on the gift of peace, share it with others, and walk in the fullness of God’s promise.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the peace that comes through Jesus Christ.

2. Father, reconcile my heart to You so I may experience true peace.

3. Lord, fill me with inner tranquillity and guard my heart from fear and anxiety.

4. Father, help me to live in harmony with others and be an agent of reconciliation.

5. Lord, empower me to share the message of peace with those around me.

6. Father, let Your peace reign in my family and community.

7. Lord, grant me the grace to trust You in all circumstances.

8. Father, remove every barrier to peace in my life and relationships.

9. Lord, make me a peacemaker, reflecting Your love and grace to others.

10. Father, let the message of peace through Christ bring revival to the world.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that the peace of God will fill your heart and home this season.

2. You will experience reconciliation with God and restoration in every broken relationship.

3. The Prince of Peace will calm every storm in your life.

4. The joy of Christ will overflow in your life, bringing peace to those around you.

5. You will walk in the fullness of God’s peace, free from fear and anxiety.

6. God’s peace will protect your heart and mind, no matter the challenges you face.

7. You will become a vessel of peace, spreading the message of Christ wherever you go.

8. Every barrier to peace in your life will be broken in Jesus’ name.

9. Your family and community will experience the harmony that comes from God’s presence.

10. The message of Christmas will bring new hope, joy, and peace to your life.