Listen "Advent: Disturbing the Peace"
Episode Synopsis
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Luke 2 proclaims peace—but not the kind offered by the world. Jesus was born during the Pax Romana, the “peace” of Caesar Augustus, which was enforced through power, military strength, and control. Caesar’s peace depended on domination and fear, rewarding loyalty and crushing opposition. It was orderly on the surface, yet fragile and costly beneath it. Luke intentionally sets the birth of Jesus within this context to reveal a sharp contrast. While Caesar rules from a throne, Jesus is born in a manger. While imperial decrees are enforced by soldiers, God’s good news is announced by angels to shepherds. This is not a sentimental story but a declaration that a new king and a new kingdom have arrived. The peace Jesus brings is different in every way. He does not conquer by force but brings peace through humility, self-giving love, forgiveness, and the cross. Instead of demanding control, he invites surrender. Instead of eliminating enemies, he reconciles them. His peace does not depend on circumstances; it meets us in fear, chaos, and suffering and begins within the heart. We are invited to choose between these two kinds of peace: the fragile peace of control offered by the world, or the lasting peace of Christ, found in surrender to the true king whose kingdom will never end.
More episodes of the podcast HPUMC - Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship)
Reclaim Your Life (20 Minutes at a Time)
04/01/2026
Christmas 2025: The Truth About Christmas
24/12/2025
Advent: Blind Courage
14/12/2025
Advent: A View From the Top
07/12/2025
Advent: It’s About Your Tree
30/11/2025
David: The Story of God's Glory
24/11/2025
Vision Sunday
16/11/2025
David: On the Heels of Success
10/11/2025
David: Come Clean
02/11/2025
David: To Lead Like Jesus
26/10/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.