“Peace In Advent”

Colossians 1:18-23

1. Introduction: Have you ever noticed how peace tends to disappear around Christmas time?
   1. Our quest for “perfection” often steals away our joy
   2. We should recognize that a “perfect” Christmas isn’t attainable
   3. This is due in part to the fact that the Christmas celebration is rooted in several sources
2. Before we can experience peace, we must have the right outlook of Christ (v.18-20)
   1. He is the head of all things
   2. He will reconcile all things to himself
   3. The peace treaty has been drawn up
3. Before we can experience peace, we must have the right outlook on how we see each other and ourselves (v.21-22a)
   1. We are holy (set apart)
   2. We are without blemish
   3. We must see ourselves the way God would have us to
4. Before we can experience peace, we must have the right outlook on God the Father (v.22b-23)
   1. The war is over
   2. We are free from accusation
   3. God doesn’t accuse us, Satan does
5. Conclusion: Peace comes through the gospel
   1. We don’t have to labor for perfection to have peace
   2. We should pursue perfection because it is pursuing Christ
   3. Christ established a relationship of peace with us through love