Unwrapping the Gift of Peace
Connection Points
Dr. Cole Phillips
December 15, 2024

Luke 2:8-21

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8

Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32

6 Gifts for Peace at Christmas

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.” Luke 2:9-12

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 2:13-14

“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” Romans 8:7

This Week’s Power Verse

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:16-18

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Luke 2:21

“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,” Philippians 2:10

“and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

“God’s peace is for everyone who believes and receives Jesus.”

Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,” Romans 15:13

Digital Connection Card

Thanks for joining us today! Please fill out the digital connection card and we’ll follow up with you.

Digital Connection Card
Prayer Request

  • Home for Christmas

We’re excited about our Home for Christmas Offering, which starts now and goes through January 31, 2025. Our BIG ONE-DAY Offering will happen in all our Celebration Services on Sunday, December 15, 2024. That’s the day we’ll all bring our BEST GIFT to JESUS for Christmas!

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Offering is a call to sacrificial giving to further three major ministry initiatives:

  1. To pay for our 11.5 acres of land in Buda
  2. To install a parking lot for our San Marcos campus

  3. To support our missionaries around the world

    • Connection Christmas is here!

You’re Invited to Experience Christmas with us at The Connection Church! Make the most of your Christmas so you will remember it for years to come. Bring your family and friends for this fun, unforgettable celebration! Everyone is welcome!
Buda Campus: December 23rd @ 5:30pm & 7:30pm & December 24th @ 3:30pm & 5:30pm
San Marcos Campus: December 24th @ 3:30pm & 5:30pm
Online Campus: December 24th @ 3:30pm & 5:30pm
Reserve Your FREE Tickets HERE.

Connection Group Discussion Questions

1) Good News Was Given to the World

• In what ways does the “good news” of Jesus’ birth bring hope to people today?

• What specific areas in your life need the peace that only Jesus can provide?

• Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus, and how can you share it with them?

2) Peace Was Given a Chance

• What are some common fears or anxieties you experience during the holiday season?

• Philippians 4:7 speaks of peace that passes understanding. Can you share a time when you experienced this kind of peace?

• How can trusting Jesus help you experience peace in the middle of life’s challenges?

3) We Were Given an Example to Follow

• The shepherds were excited to see Jesus and then shared the news with others. What motivates you to share your faith?

• Are there areas where you feel hesitant to share Jesus with others? What holds you back?

• What practical steps can you take this week to “spread the word” about the good news of Jesus?

4) Worship Was Given to God

• Mary worshiped quietly by pondering and treasuring God’s work, while the shepherds worshiped loudly with praise. Which form of worship resonates more with you and why?

• How can you incorporate worship into your daily life during the Christmas season?

• In what ways can giving (time, resources, or talents) be an act of worship in your life?

5) Salvation Was Given a Name

• Jesus’ name means “Jehovah is Salvation.” What does the name of Jesus mean to you personally?

• Philippians 2:10 says every knee will bow at the name of Jesus. How does this truth shape the way you view Jesus’ role in your life?

• How can focusing on the name of Jesus bring hope and purpose to your everyday decisions?

6) People Were Given a Choice

• The angels announced peace “to those on whom his favor rests.” What does it mean to you to experience God’s favor?

• How does faith in Jesus unlock peace in your life, even when circumstances are hard?

• What steps can you take this week to deepen your trust in God’s promises and experience His peace?

Closing Challenge

• Think about the six gifts mentioned in the sermon. Which one stood out to you the most and why?
• What is one action step you can take this week to apply this message to your relationships, work, or community?