Prince of Peace | Dec 24 – Dec 30, 2017
Series Big Idea
The one whose Name is above all names wants to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Message Big Idea
As Prince of Peace, Jesus brings wholeness to our lives.
Scripture – John 14:23-27
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Ice Breaker and Opening Thought
- Do you feel more peaceful or less peaceful than usual at Christmas? Why?
Bible Discussion
- What stands out to you in this passage? The concept of peace comes from the word “shalom.” Nicholas Wolterstorff defines shalom this way: The state of shalom is the state of flourishing in all dimensions of one’s existence: in one’s relation to God, in one’s relation to one’s fellow human beings, in one’s relation to nature, and in one’s relation to oneself.
- Given the definition above, what might it mean to say Jesus gives us peace?
- In what ways was the world lacking peace during that very first Christmas?
Life Application
- In what ways does our world lack peace right now?
- There are two Christmases we experience: the Christmas we want and the Christmas we get. How does your Christmas reality compare to the Christmas you “want?”
- In what ways might Jesus want to bring you peace this Christmas?
Challenge
This year, no matter which Christmas you get, let this be the Christmas you need. May you receive the peace God has for you and then allow God to share that peace with others through you.
