1. Isaiah 9:1-7 p. 638 2. Peace

2. What Christmas is all about  Its true significance: It celebrates an act of God. The birth of a Baby Called – Wonderful Counsellor... Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6)  Church season of Advent Time of preparation & anticipation What does God mean when the Bible talks of peace?

3. 1. Peace is Big  English “Peace” – absence of conflict.  Bible has a much bigger idea in view Shalom: everything as it should be, good prevails. A picture of home, family, community. Fellowship with each other and God.

4. 1. Peace is Big...  Compared to the opposite (Isaiah 8:20-22)  The contrast is huge: “Shalom” – wellbeing, contentment - vs - “darkness and fearful gloom”

5. 2. Peace is Important  Nelson Mandela (Madiba) died last Thursday. His legacy: philanthropist and peacemaker. Like Mother Teresa He displayed commitment to the common good and human dignity. – It is so rare – Too many people are caught up in their own desires and wants.

6. 2. Peace is Important...  We all know the importance of Peace. We can all picture the symbolic meaning of Micah 4:4.  It is fleeting: the pressures of life take it away.  Isaiah speaks into this – a child to bring light and joy.

7. 3. Peace is a Gift  The first part of Isaiah’s prophecy (9:1-2)  God will act. He will intervene in the world It is something God will do.

8. 3. Peace is a Gift...  As humans we lay burdens on ourselves: Conceive of God as wanting something from us  Isaiah shows the lie in all such thinking: God acts to bring rescue from darkness and gloom He intervenes – not for His benefit, but for ours.

9. 3. Peace is a Gift...  We are shaped by what we worship Setting our passions on things that do not deliver only brings despair. Because of his love God himself steps in to establish an ever increasing kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness.  This is what Christmas is about.

10. Living it...  Isaiah 8:12-13 – Do not fear what they fear. The Lord Almighty is Holy: it is him we should fear.  We turn our desires from what does not satisfy - giving ourselves to a holy God  Jesus is the bringer of joy and “Shalom”