The Light Has Come

Week 2: Peace in the Waiting
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Main Texts: Micah 5:2–5a; Luke 2:1–7; John 14:27 (NKJV)
Theme: True peace does not come from the absence of trouble but from the presence of Christ. He is our peace in the waiting, the uncertainty, and the chaos.


Opening Prayer:

Lord Jesus,
As we gather on this second Sunday of Advent, we come with busy minds and burdened hearts. Quiet us. Center us. Remind us that You are our Prince of Peace. Speak to us through Your Word as we reflect on Your coming and the peace You bring.
Amen.


Introduction: Recap of Week 1

Last week, we lit the Candle of Hope and remembered that Advent begins in darkness—not denial. Isaiah 9:2 reminded us that the people walking in darkness have seen a great light.

We learned:

We saw how Jesus is the fulfillment of centuries-old prophecy—proof that God keeps His Word.

Today, we move from hope to peace. Because hope gives us something to look toward, and peace anchors us as we wait.


Reading: Micah 5:2–5a (NKJV)

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting...”
“And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth; And this One shall be peace.”


Point 1: Peace Was Promised Long Ago

Explanation: Micah’s prophecy came at a time when God’s people were facing the threat of foreign invasion and moral collapse. Their peace had been shattered. But rather than offering a political solution or military strategy, God gave them a promise: a ruler would arise from Bethlehem. This ruler would be unlike any other. He would be eternal (“from everlasting”), and He would bring true peace to His people. This reminds us that God's peace is not reactive; it is proactive. God doesn't wait for circumstances to settle before He acts. He promises peace in advance to sustain His people through the trial.

Historical Insight: Written around 700 B.C., this prophecy pinpointed the Messiah’s birthplace and lineage. Bethlehem, though small, was King David’s town—a reminder that God brings greatness from humility.

Apologetic Insight: Micah 5:2 is a precise and powerful Messianic prophecy. Matthew 2:4–6 confirms that Jewish scholars in Jesus’ day understood this as pointing to the Messiah.

Supporting Scriptures (NKJV):

Application: God’s promises are never too late. Peace is not wishful thinking—it’s a guaranteed outcome in God’s time. Trust Him.


Point 2: Peace Is Found in the Presence of Jesus

Explanation: When Jesus arrived, He did not come into a world at peace. The nation of Israel was under Roman rule, the people were overtaxed, and many were spiritually weary. Yet, Jesus entered this scene as the Prince of Peace. His birth was not in a palace, but in a stable. His peace was not political, but deeply personal. This teaches us that peace is not about perfect circumstances. Peace is about knowing that God is with us. Jesus' own words in John 14:27 reveal that the peace He gives is unique, enduring, and internal. It is not like the world's fragile peace, which depends on control and comfort. His peace dwells within us, sustained by His Spirit.

Historical Insight: Rome promised peace through domination (Pax Romana). Jesus offered peace through presence—peace with God and within ourselves.

Apologetic Insight: The early church's endurance through persecution is best explained by a real, risen Savior whose peace surpassed fear and death.

Supporting Scriptures (NKJV):

Application: You don’t need fewer problems—you need more of His presence. Jesus doesn’t remove all storms, but He anchors you in them.


Point 3: Peace Is Something We Carry and Share

Explanation: Micah declares that the Messiah Himself “shall be peace.” Peace is not merely an attribute of Jesus—it is His very nature. If He lives in us, then peace should overflow from our lives into our relationships and communities. We are called not just to enjoy peace but to spread it. This is what Jesus meant when He blessed the peacemakers. To be a peacemaker is to reflect the heart of God, to step into conflict and bring calm, to speak reconciliation instead of retaliation. Peace shared is peace multiplied.

Historical Insight: The early church became a movement of reconciliation, breaking racial and cultural barriers. Jews and Gentiles became family through Christ.

Apologetic Insight: The radical unity of the early church is evidence of the Gospel's power to bring peace where division once ruled.

Supporting Scriptures (NKJV):

Application: Who needs peace through you this week? Be the one to forgive, to speak gently, to reconcile.


Candle Lighting: The Peace Candle

Today we light the Candle of Peace. It reminds us that peace was promised, peace was delivered, and peace now lives within us through Christ.

Let us carry it into our world.


Closing Prayer:

Jesus, Prince of Peace,
Thank You for coming into a broken world to bring healing, wholeness, and rest.
Give us Your peace—not as the world gives, but as only You can.
Help us trust Your promises, welcome Your presence, and share Your peace with others.
In Your name, Amen.