For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

YOU SEEM A LITTLE STRESSED OUT

Festive Stress
- 69% stressed by feeling a “lack of time”
- 69% stressed by perception of “lack of money”
- 51% stressed by “pressure to give or get gifts.”
- 45% would prefer to skip Christmas altogether

Common Holiday Complaints
-I can't get it all done / I can’t afford this.
-This isn't how I thought it would be.
-I’m lonely.
-I hate crowds / lines / traffic.
-My family drives me crazy.
-Your family drives me crazy.
-It’s all too much — I’m just exhausted.

Prince of peace: Sar Shalom

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 15:34

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. John 14:27

Real peace comes with a price.
The peace that earth gives is a poor affair at best. It is shallow; a very thin plating over a depth of restlessness, like some skin of turf on a volcano, where a foot below the surface sulfurous fumes roll, and hellish turbulence seethes. That is the kind of rest that the world brings.
~ Alexander MacLaren

1. Interpersonal peace
2. Personal Peace
3. Divine Peace

DIVINE PEACE
(Peace with God)

SILVER CARP IMAGE
CARP AND BILL IMAGE

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

It’s a matter of faith.

PERSONAL PEACE
(Peace of God)

HIROO ONADA IMAGE

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. . . . Isaiah 26:3

It’s a matter of focus.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

INTERPERSONAL PEACE
(Peace w/others)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

It’s a matter of family.