Dave looks at Luke 2: 8-19, focusing on the true meaning of Advent as a time of preparation and anticipation, particularly highlighting the second Advent candle: Peace. Dave talks about how Advent should centre on the four themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. His key points include: Advent is Preparation (Hope): Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of His second coming. The first candle represents Hope, the “living hope” we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which leads to an imperishable inheritance. The Promised Peace (Shalom): The peace announced by the angels at Christ’s birth (“Peace on earth among those with whom He is pleased” – Luke 2:14) is not just the absence of conflict. It is the deep Hebrew concept of Shalom, which means wholeness, harmony, and flourishing—everything in its right place. Sin fractured this original peace, and the Old Testament prophets promised a Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) who would restore it. This peace is a person – Jesus Christ. The Revealed Peace: This profound peace was revealed to humble shepherds in the form of a baby. It is a peace that allows us to have peace with God through faith, as Christ’s sacrifice reconciles sinners to God (Romans 5:1). It also provides peace with ourselves, which Jesus assures His followers is a peace the world cannot give, guarding our hearts from fear and anxiety (John 14:27). Furthermore, it establishes peace with others, as Christ has broken down the “dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14), turning strangers into brothers and sisters in one family. The Entrusted Peace (Peacemakers): The peace received by Christians is not meant to be kept to themselves. The sermon concludes by stating that this peace is entrusted to the church. We are not called to be peacekeepers (who merely avoid conflict) but peacemakers (who actively bring restoration and reconciliation). As ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), we are to embody gentleness, pursue reconciliation, and allow God to make His appeal to the world through us. The true peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, comes to those who seek this relationship and live as agents of reconciliation. The post Dave Frodsham: Peace on Earth first appeared on Jubilee Church Wirral.