December 7, 2025

This Advent sermon explores the theme of peace through the lens of the Annunciation in Luke 1:26-38. The message emphasizes that the most important peace we need is not horizontal (with others) but vertical (with God). Through the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, we see God entering human history to accomplish the impossible—bringing peace between humanity and God through Jesus Christ. The sermon highlights that we were enemies of God, but through Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection, reconciliation became possible. Mary's humble surrender ("Let it be to me according to your word") serves as both the model and means by which peace with God is made available. The greater miracle is not the virgin birth itself, but that God would send His Son at all to save humanity. This peace is accessed through humble surrender to God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.