Dock Resource Kit
Sunday sermon, 8 December 2024
This week, Phil spoke to us about the transformative peace that Jesus brings, using Luke 2:8–21 and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing to explore the message of the angels to the shepherds: “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” He reminded us that biblical peace isn’t the absence of conflict but the presence of God in the storm. Drawing on personal experiences of hospital visits and surgeries, Phil shared how God’s peace has been a tangible reality, not because situations resolved, but because God’s presence was undeniable. The peace of Christ is for all who choose to receive it—a peace that reconciles us to God, sustains us in trials, and invites us to share it with others.
Dock Discussion Questions
Reflect on a time when you felt peace in the midst of a challenging situation. What made that peace possible, and how did it impact you?
How do you understand the phrase, “Peace isn’t dependent on resolution; it’s dependent on relationship”?
The shepherds acted on the angels’ message by going to see Jesus and then sharing what they had experienced. How might you take similar steps to embrace and share God’s peace this Advent?
Where in your life or the lives of those around you do you see a need for “peace on earth and mercy mild”? How can you actively bring God’s peace into those situations?
Long-form, editted transcript
The Beauty of Advent and the Promise of Peace
It’s the second Sunday of Advent, a season of anticipation, waiting in the darkness for the light of Christ to dawn. A season marked by Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—these are the themes we are focusing on this month. This morning, we take a moment to reflect on Peace.
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Yet, for many of us, peace feels elusive. Life’s circumstances—whether global crises, family challenges, or personal struggles—can overshadow this season with noise and worry.
The world often tells us peace comes when things settle down, when conflicts end, or when everything goes our way. But biblical peace is different. It’s not about the absence of conflict; it’s about Emmanuel—God with us—even in the storm.
Finding Peace in Personal Storms
This year, I’ve had my share of storms—health storms, particularly. This sermon comes to you from a stool following two knee surgeries! As a family, we’ve faced multiple surgeries this year, including both my daughters’ major operations. Between us, I think we’ve chalked up six surgeries—plus countless procedures and appointments—so thank you, NHS!
For us, hospital visits have almost become routine. Earlier this year, when my youngest daughter, CJ, was preparing for her first-ever surgery to repair a hole in her heart, it felt like just another day. But when the morning of the operation arrived, it hit me. She was still so small. This was her heart—this was a big deal. Suddenly, I felt the weight of fear, helplessness, and all the “what ifs.”
Then the prayers started arriving—via WhatsApp of all places. It’s an amazing prayer tool! Messages poured in from people standing with us in prayer, and it felt as though God was reminding me, “I’m here, and that’s enough. I’ve got you.”
The operation still needed to happen, and nothing about the circumstances changed. But God’s peace filled that moment—not because the situation resolved instantly, but because His presence was undeniable.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The peace of God is not just for a select few. It’s the message of Advent, proclaimed by angels to shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Or, as the carol reminds us:
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,
Glory to the newborn King,
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.”
This peace, born from reconciliation with God through Jesus, transforms our storms and sustains us through life’s trials.
God on the Move
In Luke 2, the shepherds are out in the fields, minding their business. Then—boom!—the sky lights up, and an angel appears. The glory of God surrounds them.
This was no random event. The angelic appearance was a sign that God was stepping into the world to bring peace. Throughout Scripture, angels appear when God is moving—encouraging His people, delivering messages, and pointing towards His greater purposes.
One of my favourite verses, Psalm 34:7, says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Angels remind us that God is present and active in our lives. They’re not the point themselves; they point us to the One who is.
The angels’ message that night was life-changing: peace is here because Jesus is here.
Peace on Earth and Mercy Mild
The angels reassured the shepherds, as angels often do, with “Do not be afraid.” Then, they proclaimed the arrival of the newborn King and burst into song: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
Our carol echoes this:
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,
Glory to the newborn King,
Peace on earth and mercy mild…”
But peace on earth can feel elusive, can’t it? When we look at the news—wars, collapsing governments, disintegrating leadership—even within the Church, peace can seem far away. Yet, the promise of peace on earth remains.
The Storm and the Presence of Peace
When CJ had her surgery, the circumstances were overwhelming. But when prayers started flooding in, the situation didn’t change—I did. I was reminded of God’s presence with us. That’s where peace is found.
Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who survived a Nazi concentration camp, is quoted as saying, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”
Peace isn’t dependent on resolution; it’s dependent on relationship. It’s about reconciliation—“God and sinners reconciled.” Through Jesus, God steps into our mess and restores what was lost.
God and Sinners Reconciled
“God and sinners reconciled” is the heart of the angels’ message. Before Jesus, humanity was separated from God by sin, creating chaos and brokenness. But through Jesus, that separation is healed.
As Paul writes, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
This peace changes everything. It assures us that no matter what we face, we are not alone. And it’s eternal—offering hope that one day, all things will be made new.
The Shepherds’ Response
The shepherds didn’t just hear the angels’ message; they acted on it. They said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened” (Luke 2:15).
When they arrived, they found Jesus—not in a palace, but in the messiness of a stable. The Prince of Peace met them there.
Jesus didn’t take them out of their messy lives. Instead, He brought the peace of knowing God was with them in the mess. Peace doesn’t wait for perfection. It meets us exactly where we are.
Finding Peace in My Own Storms
It would have been amazing if God had rescued us from all hospital visits. But instead, He met us every time—during CJ’s surgery, Adelaide’s surgeries, and even my own.
Each time, Jesus brought peace into the situation—not by taking us out of the storm, but by being with us in it.
Sharing the Peace of Christ
The shepherds couldn’t keep their experience to themselves. After meeting Jesus, they “spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17).
This peace transforms us and overflows into the lives of others.
A Final Invitation
Peace doesn’t come from perfect circumstances; it comes from a perfect Saviour. It meets us in the storm, reminding us that we’re not alone.
This Advent, how might you live differently if you embraced this peace? What storms are you facing where you need to remember God is with you? And how can you share this peace with others?
Closing Prayer
Prince of Peace, we thank You that Your peace is not based on our circumstances but on Your presence. Through Jesus, we are reconciled to You. Help us to rest in Your peace today. And as we leave this place, empower us to share Your peace with a world that so desperately needs it. Amen.