Second Sunday in Advent: Peace

This powerful message invites us to unwrap one of the most precious gifts of Christmas: the peace of Christ. But this isn't the fleeting, circumstantial peace the world offers—the kind that depends on everything going right, on achieving the next goal, or on finally getting what we think we need. Instead, we're introduced to a peace that surpasses all understanding, rooted in John 14:27 and John 16:33, where Jesus promises His peace while acknowledging we will face tribulation in this world. The sermon challenges our modern epidemic of anxiety, that internal lack of peace we carry despite having more material blessings than any generation before us. We're caught in an endless cycle of 'if only'—if only I had this, achieved that, fixed this problem—then peace would come. But each accomplishment simply reveals another 'if only' waiting around the corner. The transformative insight comes through a simple breathing exercise invoking the Trinity, reminding us whose we are. We belong to the King of Kings, and as citizens of His kingdom, we have access to a peace that navigates through brokenness rather than requiring perfect circumstances. The examples of the apostles—beaten, imprisoned, yet rejoicing in their suffering—and the story behind 'It Is Well With My Soul' demonstrate this supernatural peace in action. Christ doesn't promise life will be easy; He promises His presence through the pressure, and that makes all the difference.