Christmas Peace!

In Luke 2, we find Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem because of the census that Caesar Augustus had declared. After what must have been a very difficult journey, they finally arrive to find that there is no room in the inn. Mary gives birth to the promised Messiah and He is placed in a manger.
At this same time there are a group of shepherds caring for their sheep out in the fields, when the angel of the Lord appears to them and tells them that in Bethlehem a Savior has been born.
And then we are told in Luke 2:13–14 (ESV), "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ¹⁴ 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'”
As we look back at the Christmas story, I want us to think about the peace that the Messiah has provided for us.
1. He has brought us peace with God
The Bible teaches that in our natural state we are enemies of God and that we are without hope. But Jesus came so that our sins could be forgiven and that we could be reconciled back to God. 

Ephesians 2:12–14 (ESV) -- "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."

As we reflect back to the first coming of our Lord as a babe in Bethlehem let us be reminded of the peace that he brought to us and let us look forward to our real home -- Heaven!

2. He has brought us peace within ourselves
One philosopher had called our era "an age of overt anxiety." It seems that everyone is worried about something. We are worried about . . .

• Our past failures
• Our unfulfilled expectations
• Our financial problems
• Our children
• Our health issues

You name it and there is someone who is worried about it.

For the follower of Christ, instead of worrying about things that we have no control over, we are to trust in God. The Bible tells us is in Isaiah 26:3 (ESV), "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

So how are we to do this? The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV), "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Instead of worrying about things for which we have no control, let us take our requests to God with thanksgiving knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
3. He has brought us peace with others
It is God's desire that we live in peace with one another (Romans 12:18). It is a testimony to the world that we are truly His followers if we love one another (John 13:35). 
In the Old Testament we find King David expressing the same kind idea in Psalm 34:14 (ESV) -- "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."