Scripture Focus: ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. 11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. (Matthew 2:10-11; read Matthew 1-2)

Introduction

Peace. Our world is starving for it - in our hearts and homes and nations. We often find ourselves wondering how it came to be such a rare commodity. Wondering how our society came to adopt a social and economic system that so closely resembles the slavery that the Hebrews endured under Egypt’s Pharaohs. Wondering how we came to see one another as simply tools by which to produce a profit. wondering how we came to view relationships as little more than a vending machine that spits out good emotions to counter our loneliness. How did we become, as the human race, so vehemently opposed to peace? It seems there is no space for it among us.

Which is a heartbreaking realization in light of the Gospel story. A story in which Peace Himself takes on flesh in order to be near to us - in order to pitch His tent amongst our tents. But was ultimately rejected by a violent world.

So what? What is our role in all this? Our goal is to join Mary and Joseph and the wise men and the shepherds in witnessing the peace of the Son of God wrapped in human flesh, lying in a manger. It is to witness His initial silence and then His eventual words and allow them to fundamentally change us. Then to allow the beauty of that peace to push us to act.

This Christmas, let us return our focus and energy to the vital task of witnessing this Jesus and allowing that to transform us.

Questions

What did you hear in this morning’s message that stood out to you? What was interesting, important, or confusing?

Reread “Where Does the Temple Begin, Where Does it End?” by Mary Oliver. What is the message of this poem?

Where is peace trying to burst forth in your life? Where does it need to be nurtured by you?

What does peace look like to you? What does it sound like? How do those answers point to Christ?

What is one active way that you can witness Christ in the manger this week? Try to think of an exercise that includes your body - not just your mind.

How has the peace of Christ transformed you?

Reflections

Put down your projects. Sit back down. Accept the invitation of Advent. Sit and wait. Join the wise men on their journey. Step up beside Joseph and let the infant in Mary’s arms change you. Let Him, in His initial silence and His eventual words, show you the peace by which He has changed and is changing the world. Then, let that beauty change you and compel you to act.