Luke 2:13-20

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The past couple of years have robbed many of us of our peace.

• 41.1% of adults in 2021 reported symptoms of anxiety disorder and/or major depressive disorder. That number was only 11% in 2019.
• Those who lost jobs during the pandemic reported signs of mental illness at a rate of 53%, compared to 32%of those with no job or income loss.
• Essential workers starting or increasing substance abuse jumped from 11% to 25% during the pandemic. Suicidal thoughts among this group jumped from 8% to 22%.

1) Peace comes from knowing Jesus.

Consider the difference between 2 Spanish words that are both translated as "to know" in English. "Saber" means to know facts or information, but "conocer" refers to relational knowledge. We must "know" God relationally.

2) Peace is connected to God's presence in our lives.

John 14:26-27: “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. ²⁷ 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.”

3) Following God's commands causes peace to remain.

Isaiah 48:18: “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.”

Psalm 91:1-2

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”