Away in a Manger: Shepherds

                                                    Away in a Manger:  Shepherds – Peace

                                                            Luke 2:4-14

Isaiah’s words encouraged then and now

Mary experienced and shared great for her son Jesus

The Shepherds were on the scene when angels declared God’s  

Heavenly peace on earth had been shattered with the in the garden of Eden

        is the original order of creation and the heart of God for all his creation 

         ” or “peace”       means to be “whole” or “complete”

Shalom – “God’s highest and most complete be upon you and all associated with you” 

The divine plan to deal with sin and restore with God was targeted for one holy night

            “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14  

A Savior was born in the city of David because earth and humanity needed  

  You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6  No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7  Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8  Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:5-8 (ESV)

Many are the works of the

Jesus came to deal with once and for all and to shine the light on the path to

2  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned…. 6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end….   Isaiah 9:2;6-7 (NIV)

Zechariah prophesied how his son would help point to the path of peace

76  And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77  to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78  By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79  to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-79 (NRSV)

The ultimate battle for our peace was waged on the  

 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Jesus dealt with and restored the pathway to  

           May you enjoy the of Christ this Christmas!