Christmas Peace

Once again the days have rolled into one another, and I have not written in far too long. It’s now officially Christmas Day in my time zone. And the phrase Christmas Peace keeps running through my mind.

Here are a few thoughts about Christmas. May the One whose birth we celebrate fill your hearts and minds this year with His Christmas peace.

Need For Peace

The year 2021 has not been much better than the year 2020. Many of us have lost loved ones. Illness seems to abound. Chaos has hit many parts of the globe in one form or another.

In my world it’s the same. A teacher friend and former housemate saw her 98 year old mother depart for heaven this week. Three friends are entering Christmas for the first time without their sisters who unexpectedly left this life within the last few months. Three of my friends are either battling cancer or supporting their spouses who are fighting that disease. And two of my siblings are bravely celebrating this year’s Christmas, knowing their illnesses have no cure.

My mind can’t fathom all the hurts and losses in today’s world. When I try to consider even the ones near me, I’m overwhelmed.

Provision For Peace

Thankfully there is One who knows each and every one of us and all of our hurts and losses. His name is Jesus. And Immanuel. Which means God with us.

But how is that possible? The infinite holy Creator of the universe came to be with us? In this world that is full of hurts and losses?! Why would He condescend to spend time here when He could stay in His amazingly perfect heavenly kingdom?!

I believe the short answer is, “Love.” The word love is short, but God’s love is so deep we can spend eternity trying to fathom how much He loves us.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

Meaning Of Peace

I often think of peace as absence of stress. But God knows there is a lot more to peace than simply a calm day. We humans constantly need peace of heart. A heart that is free from worry. But we also need peace in relationships.

Thankfully God knew that our greatest need for peace was between between Himself and us. We were born physically alive but spiritually dead. With no way of relating to the One who made us, the One who is life and love and peace and hope and joy. And that’s where Christmas peace comes in.

Jesus, the everlasting Word, being one with the Father from before time began, chose to come as a babe, walk as a human, show us the love of the Father and the truth of His kingdom. Jesus willingly let Himself be sacrificed for us to pay the penalty for our rebellious hearts, rose from the dead to show He has power over death itself, and ascended to heaven to sit at the Father’s right hand, waiting for the day when Almighty God will send Jesus back for those who love Him. That is Christmas Peace.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:10-14

Christmas Peace

May God give all of us quiet moments to dwell on the depth of His love. The Creator provided a way for us to be at peace with Him. If we accept His provision, once we are at peace with our Creator, we can learn to be at peace with each other. We can stop worrying about all that causes us worry here because we have the Prince of Peace as an advocate with the Father, and we have His Spirit to comfort and guide us. We have a Savior who has provided a Home for us on the other side of time. All the hurts that we have here are nothing compared to the joy He has waiting for us beyond this life. And that gives peace of heart and mind today.

Christmas Peace doesn’t mean we don’t have tears in this life. But the depth of love of the God who made us is so great that my heart smiles as I celebrate the birth of His Son Jesus. When we look beyond the manger to the life and death and resurrection of our Lord, we can rejoice in His love for us. And be at peace. CHRISTmas Peace.

(Photos: taken by Carolyn Thigpen, Grayson, GA, December 2021, Scripture: KJV)