I pray for a blessed and joyous Christmas holiday for you and your family. I also pray for a fruitful and abundant 2015. May you experience the joy and peace of God’s presence in a powerful way.
Jesus has brought peace to this world. That may be hard to understand when we look at the circumstances of this world. There is conflict between nations. There is conflict within communities. There is conflict in families. We also experience conflict in our hearts.
Peace is not the absence of conflict. Jesus said that in this world we would experience conflict and trouble (see John 16:33). We will see and experience the burdens of violence, racism, illness, poverty, guilt, and oppression. Life is filled with heartache.
So if the peace is not the absence of conflict, what is it? The peace Jesus gives to us is about the presence of the Savior. The peace of Jesus is a relationship with the God of the universe. The peace of Jesus is that we can intimately know God as a father and friend. The peace of Jesus is that he shows us God cares for our “human condition.” You are not alone in your pain. Jesus experience the pain and sorrow of being human. God has not forgotten about you and he provides a way out.
This Christmas we declare PEACE in a world so desperately in need of peace. The Prince of Peace is born (Isaiah 9:6–7). Most people in the world did not recognize him that first Christmas and many will not recognize him this Christmas. But he was born for all. That is why it is so important for us share that peace so others may know.
Maybe this Christmas Eve you will hold a candle in your hand and sing Silent Night. The light you hold in your hand is a symbol for hope:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)
The night was far from silent. Imagine the noise of the angels singing and praising God. Imagine the animals raising their ruckus. Then all of the visitors coming through. Yet, we sing all was silent and all was calm. There was a greater reality at work. It was because Jesus, come to silence the consequence of sin, was born in the Bethlehem.
Merry Christmas! We will not be sending an email out next week, but look forward to connecting again in January. Also, consider joining us in reading the Bible in 2015.
Rita says
Merry Christmas
Betty says
Merry Christmas and blessing to you and your work to reach others about the birth of the out Savior Jesus
Linda Messamore says
Merry Christmas! Your posts have blessed and encouraged me! May abundant blessings be yours in the New Year! Shalom!