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Focus on the Week

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Peace of God For All
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”-- Luke 2:14, NKJV
 

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In a world overflowing with the goodness of God, many people still struggle with deep lack, insufficiency, and inner turmoil. Despite the abundance of resources, the advances of technology, and material progress, peace remains elusive for many. This reality is especially stark as we transition into the Christmas season, a time traditionally filled with joy, celebration, and reflection. During this season, we are reminded of the birth of Jesus Christ—the moment when God’s peace, goodwill, and divine purpose for humanity were made manifest. The coming of Jesus was not only to mark a pivotal point in history, but also to bring eternal significance and hope to our lives, especially when the world around us seems chaotic and troubled.

 

The scriptures declare:  “Glory to God in the highest,  And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  (Luke 2:14, NKJV)

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This heavenly proclamation, spoken by the angels on the night of Jesus' birth, was a declaration of peace—a peace that transcends the temporary and fleeting peace of this world. It was God’s way of making His peace available to all humanity, not just in the moments of celebration, but throughout every circumstance of life.

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In the midst of our modern-day struggles, which can often feel overwhelming, it is easy to see why peace can seem so hard to find. Economic instability, rising global tensions, social injustice, mental health crises, and widespread uncertainty have all contributed to an atmosphere where peace seems like an unreachable goal. For many, the holiday season, while marked by celebration, can also intensify feelings of loneliness, grief, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion.

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Current Issues Contributing to the Lack of Peace
Today, anxiety and depression rates have reached alarming heights. According to

the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders globally, affecting millions of people regardless of age, culture, or socioeconomic status. The uncertainties surrounding health (such as the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic), job insecurity, financial instability, and broken relationships weigh heavily on people's hearts. Even in the midst of unprecedented technological advancements, we are more disconnected than ever, often turning to screens for comfort while losing the deep, meaningful connections that bring peace

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This overwhelming feeling of anxiety is exactly why we need peace—not just a fleeting peace that comes from external circumstances being right, but a peace that is unshakable and eternal. The peace that Jesus offers is not dependent on world events, but on a secure, lasting relationship with God.

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The Significance of Christmas

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Christmas is often seen as a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive cheer. However, the true significance of Christmas extends far beyond these celebrations. Christmas marks the incarnation of God—the moment when the Creator of the universe chose to enter the world in the form of a helpless baby. Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph in a humble manger in Bethlehem, a miraculous event that would forever change the course of history. As John 1:14 declares:
 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

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At the heart of Christmas is the gift of God’s presence—the Creator choosing to walk among His creation, to experience our struggles, and to offer us a way back to Him. Jesus came to be our Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Through His life, death, and resurrection, He bridged the gap between humanity and God, reconciling us to the Father and making way for us to experience peace with God.

The birth of Jesus, far from being just a historical event, is the starting point of God’s ultimate plan for redemption. This plan offers each of us the opportunity to find true peace, not only in this life but in eternity. The peace that Jesus offers is

​not simply an absence of conflict, but a restoration of wholeness—a peace that brings healing to our souls, joy to our hearts, and hope to our futures.

 

Why We All Need Jesus

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We live in a broken world, a world marred by sin, division, and conflict. From personal struggles to global crises, we are surrounded by evidence of humanity’s inability to fix our deepest problems. The presence of sin, both individually and collectively, has led to suffering, separation, and death. In Romans 3:23, it is written:
 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This universal condition separates us from God, the ultimate source of peace, joy, and fulfillment.

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But Jesus came into this world to reconcile us to God, to offer forgiveness, healing, and eternal life. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He bore the punishment for our sins and made it possible for us to be restored to a right relationship with God. Jesus said in John 14:6:
 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

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Jesus is the only way to true peace—peace with God, peace with others, and peace within ourselves. This peace isn’t something we can earn or manufacture; it is a gift from God, offered freely to all who choose to accept Him. Romans 5:1 assures us:
 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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How Jesus Brings Us Peace

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Even in a world filled with chaos, anxiety, and uncertainty, we can experience the peace of God. This peace comes from knowing that God is in control, that our sins are forgiven, and that our future is secure in Christ. In Philippians 4:7, the Bible promises:
 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

 

The peace Jesus offers is a guard over our hearts and minds, keeping us steady in the midst of life’s storms. This is why we need Jesus—because in Him, we find the strength to face life's challenges, the hope to overcome despair, and the joy that comes from knowing we are loved by the Creator of the universe.

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Invitation to Christ

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If you have not yet experienced the peace of God, I invite you today to repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and the Lord of your life. Trust in His finished work on the cross and receive the peace that only He can give. Jesus came to bring peace, and through Him, we can find forgiveness, healing, and eternal life.

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Please contact us today if you have prayer requests, need support in your walk with the Lord, or are ready to make Jesus your Savior. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, fill your heart this Christmas and beyond.

 

Merry Christmas! Jesus is Lord!

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CHRIST SANCTUARY

1-443-939-5987

info@christsanctuarymd.org

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Woodlawn Community Center

2131 Woodlawn Drive

Woodlawn, MD 21207

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