Use this space to take your general notes during the message.

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s a great time to talk about Peace on Earth. It is a phrase that we certainly associate with Christmas, but this time of year does not always leave us feeling peaceful. Christmas is many things, but it's not always peaceful.

As we get started, think about this question: what says peace to you?

“The Mission of Jesus is a Mission of Peace” This is illustrated throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Pastor Jonathan shared evidence of this with us through the following verses:

It is fair to say that Jesus was not what was expected or even wanted from the Messiah. He challenged the norms and while others wanted power, Jesus achieved power through peace. What did Pastor Jonathan mean when he said “Peace is the essence of The Gospel”?

Pastor Jonathan took this even further and provided us with 2 points of clarification about the peace that Jesus brings. Take some time to reflect on these points.
1)Peace is not passive, but instead, a pursuit of the way of Jesus (see Psalm 34:14 below)
2)Peace is not the absence of challenge, but the presence of the way of Jesus

History shows that when Jesus’ way of Peace is mixed with the world’s system of power, it can create a very confusing mess. What are some specific examples of this that you have seen? How does Jesus' way of peace challenge our social and cultural norms?

Jesus doesn’t call his followers to be warriors who fight on his behalf, but instead, servants who love as He loved. How is this truth reflected in the following scripture?

Peace on Earth is not just a Christmas theme, it's Jesus’ mission. As we begin the season of Christmas, let's focus on the mission of PEACE. Pray for God’s wisdom and discernment.