With Christmas only a week away today’s sermon at church was on Luke 2:1-14, the birth of Jesus. Our pastor decided to talk about what the angels said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Going into the Christmas season peace is always a huge thing on people’s mind, even day to day. We all live for peace and happiness. We live to find what fulfills us and makes us feel content and at peace. The world strives for peace. Whether it’s from wars, strife, pain, financial instability, loneliness, or circumstances too comprehensive to understand; everyone seeks peace. It is one of our greatest desires as a human. But unfortunately we look for it in all the wrong places. Yes, many things can bring peace but it always will only be short lived.
Peace is not a place. No place can fulfill your desire to be at peace. Yes, maybe the perfect sunset or stars in the nights sky can make you feel at rest or at peace. But that will slowly dwindle. Or maybe just being home and in a safe environment gives you a sense of peace. Or being with your family and friends. The peace of a place will only last for a season.
Peace is not a position. Often times we think if we just reach that certain age, or get that job, or get married that we will finally find that peace we have been searching for. But no position will ever fulfill that peace. Often times what we thought would cause us to be happy and give us peace only makes us work harder and give more. Granted all those things are amazing to have and will bring much joy, but could never satisfy complete inner peace. True peace could never be found in a position.
Peace is not a possession. This is one that the world struggles with most. If I just had this or had those designer name brands, or got that car that I’d be happy and be at peace. Too many celebrities and people who have everything in the world they could desire find themselves lacking true peace and happiness. A new car, or a new house can certainly give peace for a season. But that is all it will be for.
When we place our peace and happiness in places, positions, or possessions it will always end in despair and no fulfillment. It means we have to find something greater than all of those things that are fleeting and passing away.
Peace IS in a person, and that is Jesus Christ. True peace and happiness will only come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The world is filled with heartache, pain, frustration; nothing gives us the peace we need but Christ. Everything must be firmly anchored to Christ. His peace is the only one that will help us in every situation. God promises that He will protect and love those who are His children. He will never abandon or forsake us. The trials of this life are in His perfect plan for our lives. Don’t forget it. Everything happens for God’s reasons. May we trust in Him and seek that true peace that can only be found in His son Jesus Christ. Loneliness or any other trial can all be taken care of in Christ. May we seek Him and cling to Him with all we have and give Him our everything. Only then will we find peace. Reading God's Word and constant prayer to Him are the essentials on the road to true peace.
So in this season of Christmas may we find that much needed complete peace and joy in our Savior. He loves us and will never forsake us.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow has an incredible story behind his song, “I heard the bells on Christmas Day” about his experience with suffering and a much-needed peace. Please read it, as it will be such an encouragement to you as it was to me. God can give us the peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4:4-9 http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/Edit_I.Heard.the.Bells.html
God Bless and Merry Christmas!
Psalm 29:11
“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
Psalm 119:165
“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.’
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:12
“LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 4:20-21
“Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
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