Advent 2025: God Moved into the Neighborhood Peace - Luke 2, Matthew 5

The world that God created – and the one He desires – is one of peace. But, as we saw last week, this was not the world that Jesus was born into. Over the course of 400 years, Judea had been under the thumb of six other powers. There was no peace, no stability, no comfort to be found. When God moved into the neighborhood – He brought with Him a peace that can only be found in Him. He was called the Prince of Peace, and Luke’s gospel recounts that peace would come to those on whom His favor rests. Still, as we examine Jesus’ life and His teachings, there is often a noticeable lack of peace. How He spoke of peace was alien to His audience, and when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds were looking for a certain kind of peace – but they would never have it. How does Jesus bring peace? And how do we join Him in His peacemaking? Join us this Sunday as we continue our way through this advent season. -Pastor Nate Roschen