“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:14
“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
Tonight, in this fourth week of Advent, we consider the peace brought to us through Jesus. It is a peace that is not dependent on our situations, but rather one that goes beyond our understanding. When we look at the world around us, we see chaos, fear, anxiety, hate, grief. We may get caught up in the storm swirling around us—threatening to drag us down.
And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth, I said
For hate is strong
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail
The right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men
At the moment we start to lose hope, Jesus is there, reaching to pull us out of the depths. We have peace because the baby who came over 2000 years ago overcame sin, death, and darkness. When we focus on Christ’s redemptive power, we can be led through the darkest valleys and come out victorious. Our peace comes from knowing that Love wins in the end.
1. Who or what am I focusing on this Christmas season?
2. How can I allow Christ to lead me in peace when going through hardship?
Lord, thank you for the peace we have in You that goes beyond understanding. May we be a people who draw close to you when life gets difficult, and may we receive peace in knowing that you have overcome the world. May we share that peace as a beacon of hope in a fallen world, just as Christmas bells ring out a reminder of your victory. I pray that we ring out your victory over darkness now and in our daily lives beyond this Christmas season. Amen