IN EXCELSIS DEO – WEEK 3
PEACE ON EARTH: GLORY RESTORED
DECEMBER 15, 2024

LUKE 2:8-20 – And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

3 Things took place:

The glory of God revealed
Messiah’s birth announced (after 400 years of God seemingly going dark)
Declaration of glory and peace

LUKE 2:13-14 – And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Connection Between Glory & Peace:

The Glory of God Precedes Peace
Peace Is Not the Absence of Conflict – It’s the Presence of Christ
How to Experience Peace

The Glory of God Precedes Peace

LUKE 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Doxa (Δόξα) – majesty, splendor; weight.

JOHN 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

LUKE 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Eireinei (εἰρήνη) – peace; state of wholeness, harmony, well-being.

Eudokias (εὐδοκίας) – good pleasure, pleasing, God’s favor rests

ROMANS 5:1 – Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

EPHESIANS 2:14 – For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.

2. Peace Is Not the Absence of Conflict – It’s the Presence of Christ

JOHN 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

3. How to Experience Peace

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Instruments of Peace:

Prayer
Thanksgiving (worship)
Thought life

LUKE 2:13-14 – And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

KEY = Peace requires TRUST

LUKE 2:12 – And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

JOHN 14:1 – Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

LUKE 1:38 – And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

LUKE 22:42 – “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

MATTHEW 11:28-30 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Practical Ways to Live in Peace:

Trust God’s promises
Surrender control
Worship in the storm
Pray with thanksgiving

Peace on Earth = Glory Restored