Matthew 1:20 Luke 2:14 Personal peace can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. WHAT IS PEACE? Popular understanding - An absence of conflict, a quiet life free from stress, violence, or war. Sometimes we equate peace with comfort, security, or tranquility. Proper understanding - The Old Testament word is Shalom, which is a presence of wholeness, completeness, and restoration. It occurs in when we are in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ and His Birth, Life, Death, and Resurrection. Through Jesus we are restored in our relationship with God and with ourselves. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and through Him we have peace with God and with one another.(Romans 5:1) PEACE IN GOD'S PURPOSE Gods’ purpose for Mary. It is trite to say that Mary’s life was turned upside down when the Angel announced to her that she would carry the Messiah. This upheaval lasted her entire life on Earth. For the rest of her life, she would be looked upon as an immoral woman and Jesus’ paternity would be called into question. The angel tells Mary to not be afraid (Luke 1:30) 0 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God May chooses to obey and welcomes peace with her response. (Luke 1:38) 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[f] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Gods’ purpose for Joseph - Joseph is also having his world thrown into conflict. At first internal. Mary is found with child and Joseph knows that the child is not the product of himself. Joseph plans to put her away quietly because he was a kind man, but before he could act, he is visited by an angel in a dream. The Angel says to Joseph, 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Gods’ purpose for the World - The angels announce that Jesus would bring peace in Luke 2:14 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Is there a contradiction when Jesus says in Matthew 10:34, 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. No! Jesus divides men as for Him or against Him. Jesus desires that all would come to faith but those that do not come to Him in faith are declaring themselves to be His enemy. PEACE IN GOD'S PRESENCE Joseph came to peace with Gods’ promise. Joseph heard more from the Angel than just to not worry about it, but rather he is given scripture from Isaiah in Matthew 1:20-23 “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Mary came to peace with Gods’ promise. (Luke 1:38) 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” God’s presence was with Mary in a powerful way and allowed her to trust Him fully. We come to peace through Christs’ presence John 16:33 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” PEACE ON GOD'S PLANET Angels announcement - We have read the angel’s announcement at Christ’ birth. This was not just a moment of celebration. This is a proclamation that peace is possible because the Prince of Peace has been born. If he is a prince, we must bow in obedience to Him to be a part of His Kingdom. Jesus promised us war because of Him. John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Jesus said that He gives peace to His followers. We will still have conflict in this world but we have peace because of Him. Jesus gives peace to all who follow Him - If you want to own this peace, you must acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior and follow Him all your life. The peace that Joseph and Mary experienced, the promise of peace the angels announced to the shepherds, can be ours. Conclusion: Come to Jesus to find peace. Believe God’s promises. Work for peace on Earth by telling someone else about Jesus.