12/07/25 - Blessed Are the Peacemakers

In this Christmas-season Sunday service, the church is reminded of the deep meaning of Emmanuel, God with us, and the peace that comes through Jesus Christ. The morning includes a children’s worship message that walks through the story of creation, sin, God’s covenant people, and the coming of Jesus as the perfect sacrifice, reminding everyone that Christmas is ultimately a love story of God restoring relationship with His children.

Hugo leads the communion thought centered on shalom, explaining that biblical peace is more than a feeling. Shalom points to wholeness, harmony, and well-being in every part of life, rooted in our reconciliation with God through the blood of Christ. The church is encouraged to receive the bread and cup with peace, trusting not in what we do, but in what Jesus has done.

The sermon continues the combined-service Beatitudes focus with Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Alan explains that peacemaking is active, not passive. It requires humility, meekness, mercy, purity of heart, and a hunger for righteousness. He also warns that peacemakers should expect resistance and even persecution, because stepping into conflict to reconcile people often comes at a cost. Peacemaking reflects the character of God, fulfills the purpose of God, and ultimately glorifies God.