Got Peace?

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:13-14

(Although I wasn't raised in a traditional, liturgical church, I discovered Advent as an adult. I have found this ancient seasonal observance to be very useful in keeping a proper perspective about Christmas and what it's really all about. For the four Sundays leading up to Christmas I'll be sharing my thoughts about the four aspects of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.)

PEACE 

The angels who appeared to the shepherds when Jesus was born proclaimed peace to humanity. Centuries earlier, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that one of the names of the coming Messiah would be “Prince of Peace.” Each time Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, He greeted them with the phrase, “Peace be with you.” One of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit is peace. When Jesus returns to earth to establish His kingdom during the Millennium, He will usher in a thousand-year reign of peace.

The word “peace” appears in the Bible at least 230 times. It is a central theme throughout Scripture. Peace is more than the absence of war. Peace is defined in a number of ways:

• a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, esp. in personal relations
• cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension
• freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.
• a state of tranquility or serenity

In a world of chaos and uncertainty, peace is the very real and present possession of every believer. Christmas is often thought of as a special time of peace. At least, that’s what our Christmas cards say. But if Christmas is about peace entering into the world, why do we get so caught up in all of the chaos of the holiday traditions? The observance of Christmas was never intended to be a time of frantically scurrying about trying to find the perfect gift for each person on your shopping list, decorating your home and yard to rival anything Martha Stewart can do, baking endless batches of cookies, fudge and gingerbread, attending every party and gathering you’re invited to, and usually spending and eating too much, against your better judgment.

Our celebration of the birth of Christ should be a time of reflection, not endless activity. Yes, our traditions are important because they lend continuity to our lives, but they should not overshadow the true meaning of this special time of year. Take time during the next few weeks to stop and enjoy the peace that you have in Christ. Ponder on the amazing miracle of the very Person of God coming to earth in the form of a little baby, so that we could spend an eternity with Him in perpetual peace. Use this time to also remember and anticipate the day when He will return to establish peace on this earth. Revelation 21:1-4 tells us that the order of this world will soon pass away, and Jesus will make everything new. Peace be with you.

Prayer:

God of Peace, we thank you that we can have peace in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Help us to spread that peace to all those around us as we remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. As we celebrate His human birth, remind us to also look forward to His glorious return. Amen.

Have a blessed (and peaceful) week! 

Pastor David