It seems ironic that in the season where we celebrate the first advent of the Prince of Peace we may get very little of it. "Holiday" parties at school and work, shopping to be done, cooking and baking, guests and travel, all of these things can be a recipe for stress, even when we are enjoying them. It is precisely during these moments that we must be most clearly focused on the Lord whose incarnation we celebrate during this time. The word has many alternatives to offer, but only the Lord offers true peace. Peace with God through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ (While we were still enemies, he died for us. ~Romans 5:3, 8), Peace with eachother through the grace and patence of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:32), and peace and freedom from our own accusing flesh, that is, our decietful sin nature (Romns 6:11; Galatians 2:20).
The One we celebrate this time of year is the one who said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27. Will you choose to rest in the comfort of His Peace this holiday season? Will you look to Him who loved you and gave Himself up for you and there find the courageous full and brimming life that was won for you at the Cross and there after? Will this be the year where you commemorate our Saviors birth by trusting in Him in a whole new way? I hope for all of us, that it is.
Just what I needed to read Brad. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI especially loved the part, "Will you look to Him who loved you and gave Himself up for you and there find the courageous full and brimming life that was won for you at the Cross and there after?"
I pray 2011 will be like that for all of us. Thank you for all your encouraging, challenging and comforting posts. God bless you and yours in 2011 and beyond.
Love in Him, Tina
Great words. I love you and your good heart!
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