PEACE ON EARTH

Eltham Baptist Church 9th December 2012

No. 400

There are lots of famous sayings, phrases and words that have become part of our vocabulary over the years. Each word and phrase conjures up visions of an advert or movie that we have seen in the past. Words like; "I'll be Back," for movie Buffs it reminds them of the 'Terminator' and Arnold Schwarzenegger with his German accent. It should actually be something we remember from the Bible, for Jesus also said "I'll be back," but is was more in an Aramaic accent. If I were to say, "Humbug" it would remind you of Ebenezer Scrooge in the 'Christmas Carol,' and a grumpy old man. "What's up Doc?" reminds us of Bugs Bunny and for me it's of matinees on a Saturday afternoons as a child in New Plymouth. "Elementary my Dear Watson," is from Sherlock Holmes and "I should have gone to Spec Savers," is of half blind people getting things wrong without their glasses. When it comes Christmas there are lots of phrases and verses that we use and they all conjure up scenes that we have seen on Christmas Cards. Words like; "Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Shepherds, Angels, Bethlehem, 3 Wise Men, Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold." Of course there is Santa Claus, Elves and his Reindeer and quotes like, "Ho Ho Ho," and "Jingle Bells" but they only became popular in the 1800s, while the bible story has been around for over 2000 years. Unfortunately for us Christians, Christmas has been high jacked by Santa and commercialism, which we consider unfair - for we were here first. It's the same with October 31st which everyone associates with 'Halloween' but for us Christians it was the date that was meant to be celebrated when Martin Luther started the Reformation. You wouldn't like to live in this world today if that hadn't be for this amazing event. These people and places are spoken of in the Bible, but we also sing about them every year in our Christmas Carols. The trouble is we just like the melody and haven't really considered the meaning of the Carols. I remember listening to the "Little Drummer" as a child and crying (a little) but it wasn't because of the words, it was more just because of the tune. I also remember hearing the words, 'Round yon Virgin' and thought they were saying a 'Round young Virgin'. I had visions of a rather large 'horizontally challenged' young woman who was heavily pregnant. Some of the main carols we sing are: 'Silent Night', 'Away in a Manger,' 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing,' 'While Shepherds watched their flocks,' and 'We 3 Kings.' Most people just sing them mechanically every year and never really consider the words in the Carols which are full of the gospel. Look at some of them;
Hark! the Herald Angels sing. "Hark the Herald Angels sing, Glory to the newborn King, Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic host proclaim "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" ......born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"

God and Sinners reconciled. Now that's a powerful gospel statement which is full of truth. For a start it says that we are sinners and need to be reconciled with God. Many think they have never sinned but God says otherwise. Just try and keep the Ten Commandments and you'll see if you have sinned or not. For a starter using the Lord's name in vain is a sin. Just about everyone says "Oh my God" now days besides "Jesus" in a swear word. 'Reconciled' means to re-establish a close relationship between someone and to settle or resolve a situation. Jesus has done all that through His ministry here on earth. He's re-established our lost relationship with God. Our sins separated us from God and the coming of Jesus has sorted all that out - Praise the Lord. In our lost fallen state we die spiritually and are lost forever but Jesus gives us eternal life and the second birth. We can be Born Again. It is said that if you are only born once you will die twice, but if you are born twice you will only die once. Think that through.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come. "Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room.."

Joseph and Mary couldn't find a room for themselves and the baby Jesus and ended up in a manger with the animals. Things haven't changed much for Jesus as He's still trying to find room in our hearts, even today. Revelation 3:10 says that Jesus is knocking on the doors of our hearts wanting to come in. He wants us to prepare Him room and that's not just a place on our mantle

piece for a Christmas card with the nativity scene on it. We need to open our hearts to Him and we won't be sorry. Paul said that our bodies are the Temple or House of God and were designed for God to live in. There is a God shaped vacuum in each us which can only be filled by God.
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, All is bright ....Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!. Christ the Saviour is born! Christ the Saviour is born!

Christ the Saviour is loaded with truth. For Him to be a Saviour then someone needs to be in trouble. Someone needs saving. When you are drowning you put your hand up and a lifeguard comes to your rescue. Have you ever watched Piha Rescue. Most of the time it's the swimmers fault that they need rescuing for they didn't listen and swim between the flags. When they signal that they need help the Life Guard comes to their rescue. Jesus is the heavenly Life Guard, our Saviour who comes to our rescue. Most people today don't realise they are in danger and that they need 'saving'. Praise God 42 years ago I realised I was a sinner and I put my hand up and have never regretted the decision ever since.
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, ... "All glory be to God on high And on the earth be peace, Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men Begin and never cease."

Have you ever wondered what this means? The Angels said that Jesus would bring "Peace on Earth." Over the last 2000 years 'Peace' has been a rare commodity. What with wars, domestic violence and splits it seems to be an elusive dream. Jesus brought all that's needed for us to have peace. He taught on it and said. 'Love thy neighbour," "Turn the other cheek," "Go the extra mile." "Forgive one another," Reject greed," Tolerate weakness,""Live to serve, "and "Love others as He has loved us." It look like peace is up to us doesn't it? Romans 12:18 says,
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

When you have this peace, share it with others. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix led a promiscuous life, indulging in drugs and behaving outrageously on and off the stage. At the end of a concert in 1970, Jimi smashed his guitar. According to Robert McGee and Donald Sapaugh in 'Search for Peace', the audience screamed and applauded, but suddenly the frenzied applause stopped. Jimi had fallen on his knees and was staying in that position motionless. He broke the stillness by asking, If you know real peace, I want to visit with you backstage. But apparently nobody responded to his startling invitation. Several days later he died from an overdose of drugs. Peace, real peace, eluded Jimi Hendrix. Do you know real peace? Have you discovered, as that rock star did, that fame, money, and selfindulgence dont bring inner serenity? Prayerfully, then, you need to make another discovery. Only through a trustful commitment to Christ can you experience peace with God.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1

Open your heart in faith to the Prince of Peace, inviting Him to come into your life and take control of it. Then, underneath all of lifes agitation, you can know the peace of God the very tranquillity of heaven in the depths of your soul.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

Finally in this Christmas Carol "While Shepherds watched their flocks by night" we sing, "Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men, Begin and never cease." Christmas can be an all year around experience and not just an annual event. A lot of presents now days end up on 'Trade Me' or broken in the corner even before the day is over. Jesus offers a great present all wrapped up in Himself. It's things like, Peace, Joy and especially a sense of His presence every day of the year. All of my teenage life I was looking for a true friend. I thought it was a girl that I needed, but Praise God, Jesus found me and saved me first and I found the friend that sticks closer than a brother. Christ is a true friend who understands and knows all about us. Look again at these Carols this Christmas for they are full of truth that can set you free.