Personal reflections on Advent: Peace
(Click
on the link below to read the verses.)
Luke 2:1-20
Christmas is a
time of peace.
Many Christmas images are portrayed
as idyllic such as the baby Jesus lying in the manger with Joseph and Mary
kneeling at his side; or the three wise men riding their camels under the
guidance of the bright shining star.
Yet, we live in a
world that can never seem to achieve peace. To confirm this, all you need to do
is be aware of what is happening in the world around you.
Even Jesus did not
bring peace. He brought chaos to his parents; conflict to the religious
leaders; uprooted the lives of his disciples, only to leave them with unfulfilled
expectations; and said goodbye to his mother from the cross, the punishment reserved
for the worst kind of criminal.
And yet, there is
no peace without Jesus. He brings peace to a world that is filled with fear,
anger, guilt and shame. He brings peace when you have a stillborn baby; when
your parents die; when your marriage is on the rocks; when an addiction takes
control of your life; when the world is crumbling around you.
The angels
pronounced it when he was born, and Jesus promised it when he was about to die.
13 And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God
and saying:
14 “Glory to
God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” NKJV
27 Peace
I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John
14 NIV
We hear the verse from Hark the Herald Angels Sing… “Peace on Earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled”.
The Prince of Peace has
reconciled us with our faithful Heavenly Father. He loves us completely, is
with us always and forgives us unconditionally. If that doesn’t bring you peace,
nothing will.
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