Sometimes we don’t see the true gift we’ve been given.
BATTLESHIP
A game played with paper and pencil up until Milton Bradley created the first board game version in 1967
– Someone is trying to sink your battleship—Someone is out to get you
This is why are the shepherds “filled with fear”?
For thousands of years before Jesus—throughout all of human history—religion was about making peace with the gods.
Jesus came to make peace for us.
RUBIK’S CUBE
Invented by Hungarian architect, Ernő Rubik in 1974. On sale in the USA in 1980.
– It’s so messed up… how can it ever get better?
– Where do we even start?
‘And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not,…'” – Luke 2:10
Jesus’ birth signals the shift in the trajectory of human history.
VIEWMASTER
Introduced in 1939
– A momentary illusion of a prettier place
Anything that brings you peace in life apart from Jesus is only a temporary distraction.
When you focus on Jesus you put your problems into context.
The peace we have been given isn’t an excuse to ignore the world, it’s an invitation to take it head on.
“The kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies,” – Martin Luther
ROCK’EM SOCK’EM ROBOTS
First manufactured in 1964
– An endless cycle of senseless conflict
Jesus models being an agent of peace – John 18:36, Matthew 5:38-47
Jesus champions the peacemakers – Matthew 5:9
“The followers of Christ have been called to peace. . . . And they must not only have peace but make it. . . . His disciples keep the peace by choosing to endure suffering themselves rather than inflict it on others. They maintain fellowship where others would break it off. They renounce hatred and wrong. In so doing they overcome evil with good, and establish the peace of God in the midst of a world of war and hate.“
“There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared. It is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God’s commandment. Wanting no security… Battles are won not with weapons, but with God. They are won when the way leads to the cross.”
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Peace begins with YOU and ME.
ISAIAH 9:6
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.
Church 29:11 