This week we light the advent candle of peace. To live in peace, we must live in harmony with others. We may be feeling a bit anxious about what’s going to come as the Holiday’s are just a couple weeks away. Yet there are so many preparations for Christmas dinner, last minute shopping, getting Christmas cards mailed, parties to attend and white elephant gifts to purchase for work. How do we find peace amid chaos.
While trying to make everything perfect for everyone else, let’s do what is most important first. When Christ was born, we had hope of the “Messiah” to come, who would be named Jesus. While many were anxiously thinking if this were so, Mary and Joseph were at peace knowingly God’s favor rests upon them. Even in those times there was turmoil nearby.
Peace
Read more about peace by following this link: https://thomasbrattonauthor.com/the-peace-of-god/
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
A surprise attack occurred on December 7th, 1941. One of the deadliest attacks on the United States when the Japanese bombed a naval base in Pearl Harbor. Yielding to conflict despite best efforts to maintain peace then led the United States full-blown into World War Two. In times of tragedy, it is difficult to find peace among nations.
During this time, faced with fear and uncertainty. Overwhelmed with casualties and death tolls rising as many soldiers succumbed to their ultimate sacrifice. To live in fear is allowing current circumstances to rise above our hopes for a better outcome and keeping grounded in faith.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: (NIV)
Remember peace comes from the Lord. So let go of your fears. Keep steadfast in your faith. There is something magical about the Christmas season. Families and friends gathering, reuniting with estranged children and a chance to grow in faith.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. He will keep all His promises.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall rest upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called, wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and the Prince of peace. Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
Here is a link to Tidings of Comfort and Joy. A 30 day devotional for Advent and Christmas https://a.co/d/ccSLFcs
Peace
Friends, my hope for you, despite all the busyness in your lives, may be a time to reflect upon the Lord and how wonderful He truly is. God is good all the time; all the time God is good. I implore you to take some time no wand through the entire Christmas season to get close to God. Read the Christmas story in Matthew and Luke. Journal your thoughts. Ask Him to envelop you in His peace and pray continuously without ceasing.
Pray with me
Father in Heaven, thank you for this season so we may grow in faith. Please surround us in your peace among all this pre-Holiday chaos. I pray your light will shine through us and bring hope to those who are not at our tables this Christmas but hold them close to our hearts. I also ask Lord for you to bring hope, peace and joy to all this Christmas, in Jesus name, Amen…
