Lord, You are my Prince of Peace!
I raise my voice and praise Your holy name!
The troubles of my heart are quenched
as I receive the peace only You can bring.
Focus of the Month: “The Promise Fulfilled”
Glory to God in the Highest! We see this proclamation in chapter 2 of the gospel of Luke every time we read about the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. What a welcome He receives from those heavenly hosts! In my own heart, I wonder – am I as full of joy when I reflect upon the coming of Christ? Do I take for granted the miracle of His birth, life, death and resurrection? If we find ourselves walking through the motions of the Christmas season in order to “get everything done” or “get it over with”, we must reconsider and take time to renew our faith. Let’s flood our minds with the teachings of the life of Christ found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. During this precious season of Advent, let us look with fresh eyes upon the eternal gifts Christmas brings.
One of the gifts Jesus offers us is peace. I honestly don’t know one person who doesn’t need peace. In fact, most of us need it moment by moment – the assurance that God sees us, hears us, and is with us all come because of the peace of Christ. We tend to focus on the peace we need internally. The peace that calms our doubts, our fears, or our insecurities. And while Jesus can and will help us with those, He came for a much bigger purpose. He brings a peace that allows us to be reconciled with God. The peace that goes beyond human understanding and into the eternal places is the peace I am talking about. The security of salvation by grace – not by works. Jesus is the Prince of Peace:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Because of the hardships we suffer, the trials we face, and the battles we fight in this world, we long for the peace that soothes us personally. The conflict and war that rages around the globe should stir us to pray for world peace as well. But, while we don’t always understand why things happen, or how evil seems to have the upper hand, we can rest in the truth that Jesus has overcome this world. Our flesh rebels against God every time we sin. Can you imagine if there was no way to reconcile with our Creator? If Jesus hadn’t made the way for us? But He did. He came to lead this broken world to a place we could be made whole again…into the saving grace of God. When we trust in Jesus as our Savior our salvation is secure; thus peace on earth!
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus promised that He will return and there will be peace among men. We are shown in scripture that every knee will bow and every tongue will proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. Christ will reign supreme and the nations will live in obedience to Him. In other words, Peace prevails! Hallelujah!
Hold fast to the knowledge that Christ came to create a way for you to have a deeper relationship with your Heavenly Father. The power of the Holy Spirit closes the gap between us and God created by our own sin. Rest in Him. Believe His promises are for you. Receive the gift of peace this Christmas season and sing Glory to God in the highest from the depth of your soul.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Luke 2:14; Romans 5:1; John 14:27; John 16:33
