Peace on Earth?

Peace on earth is known through Peace with God in Jesus Christ.  

Sunday's message on Peace from Luke 2:1 - 20, with a focus on Peace, provided a historical comparison of Caesar August and Jesus Christ.

Peace on earth can only be known through Peace with God through Jesus Christ.  

Many of the titles and descriptions of Jesus found in this passage are similar to the titles given to Caesar at that.  Yet there is a serious contrast between the dark, forced peace of Caesar and the incarnation of Jesus, the light of the world.

Augustus was given a title reserved for deities, meaning holy.

He was also given the title "Savior of the world."

A summary of the world's teaching about Caesar Augustus.

He "ruled in unrivaled supremacy.  He was the holy savior of the world.  Sent from god the father (Zeus) to deliver his people and bring peace, on which his good will rests on all whom he is pleased to give it, and sacrifices should be brought to him."  

Luke 2:10 - 11

"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among me with whom He is pleased."

We need to remember the Good News of salvation is the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.

"Our salvation is not found in human government but rather in Christ's atonement."

SERMON AND CATECHISM CONNECTION

Question 2 is "What is God?" - newcitycatechism.com/new-city-catechism/#2

The question "What is God?" seeks to define God.  While "Who is God?" is about is being and person.

The answer to Question 2 is "God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will."

No matter what the world, ancient or modern, says, salvation belongs to our God.

Peace - true, eternal peace - comes from God, not governments or circumstances.  

God's peace is marked by perfection, goodness, glory, truth, unchangeable, and so much more.  
This peace is so much different than the peace the world talks about and longs for.

PRAYER from New City Catechism

Our Creator and Sustainer, everything holds together in you.  The smallest creature is known to you, and the mightiest army is at your command.  You rule with justice.  Help us to trust your goodness in all that you will. Amen.