We live in a divided world, both on an individual level and as a larger society. Why is this the case? What can prevent it? These are important questions, but not the ones that the birth of Jesus ultimately answers. When God became human in the person of Jesus, he instead answered another question - how can peace come in the midst of division and restore beauty and unity to us? Listen in today to this Christmas Eve sermon and find the hope of peace for you.
Peace Over Evil (Matthew 2:1-23; Romans 16:19-20)
The biggest overarching problem facing our world continually is the presence of evil. How do we live in a world of evil? What is the better story that can reshape the way we live forever, even in the face of evil around us? Listen in today as we hear the story of Herod the King from the birth of Jesus story, and hear the apostle Paul's strong assurance of what is yet to come.
Peace Over Fear (Luke 2:8-21; Philippians 4:4-7)
In the Christmas story, the shepherds were terrified when the angels appeared to them announcing the birth of Jesus. Likewise, each of us can find ourselves full of fear throughout our lives. But as the angel told the shepherds to "Fear not" and that "peace on earth" was coming, so too is the peace of God offered to us. Listen in today as we learn more about how to face fear in our daily lives and find the peace of God to be everything we need.
Peace Over Anxiety (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; Philippians 4:4-7)
What can possibly help resolve the rampant anxiety that nearly everyone in the world goes through? As we listen to the classic birth of Jesus story once again - today through the lens of Mary and Joseph - we will see that anxiety has always been part of the human story. But there also is an antidote that the Bible teaches us about. What does Jesus teach us about anxiety, and how does the peace of God profoundly work into our deepest selves to cure the anxious heart and mind?
World Peace (Luke 1:67-80; John 10:34-39)
Most everyone thinks world peace is a good thing. But what exactly is real peace for the world? As we walk into the Christmas season together we will learn the depths of the peace of God offered in the person of Jesus Christ. Today, listen to Jesus's challenging words on what he came to bring, and how it really is a profound peace like no other.