Peace on Earth
(Christmas Carol: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day) Sermon by Dave Weidlich, Grace Community Church San Francisco, Dec 22, 2024.
Should we not expect Christmas to be a time of peace and good will?
Are we wrong to expect that Jesus came to bring peace on earth?
Luke 2:1-14 NIV
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 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.”
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play;
In music sweet the tones repeat,
“There’s peace on earth, good will to men.”
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’ unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor does He sleep,
For Christ is here; His Spirit near
Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”
Listen: Casting Crowns – I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Listen: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Acapella) – Doxology
The Story Of Carols | “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day”
More Sermons:
What Are You Expecting? Isaiah 9:6-7 – Dec 8, 2024
Grateful for the Years – Psalm 90 – Nov 24, 2024
Grace Community Church San Francisco meets Sundays, 11:15 am
at the Miraloma Park Improvement Clubhouse,
350 O’Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127.
Contact Me for more info.