The Power of Peace

Christmas makes me happy. I love the look of a decorated tree. I love the smell of pine. I love the music on the radio as soon as I finish my Thanksgiving feast. I love the family traditions— steak on Christmas Eve and country ham on Christmas morning.

Here is something that I’ve learned over the years. While Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, this season is very difficult for some families. Christmas brings conflict. Christmas breeds chaos. Christmas is very difficult for people with family strain, financial hardship, or emotional mourning after the loss of a loved one.

During Christmas, we celebrate peace on earth, but some people cannot find peace in their own lives. Many of us have a peace problem. We act as though Jesus brings peace to all mankind, but somehow, it misses us.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests.’
— Luke 2:13-14

When God sent a legion of angels to announce the birth of Christ, they showed up to some shepherds. These were not even the starting-line shepherds. They were the graveyard shift. No Jewish family would ever want their son or daughter to become a shepherd because this job made them untouchable in their society. Let me explain. Since shepherds dealt with so much death, they were marked as “ceremonially unclean.” This means they were not allowed in public without going through rigorous rituals. These young men weren’t even allowed at the local grocery store, but they were the first to meet Jesus.

People experience a problem with peace for a number of reasons: present circumstances, past mistakes, or future worries. I get it. There are hundreds of thoughts and situations trying to steal your peace. Hear me out, though. There is no mistake you can make that will separate you from God’s grace. There is no problem that changes God’s promise. You can be strong despite the stress because you know who controls the future. Sure, you may be stressed by your surroundings, but your soul can be still knowing that God has it all under control. If you want to discover true peace, you need to stop looking for peace in the wrong place.

Peace is not found in new possessions.

Peace is not found in a pill.

Peace is not found in some 20 step program.

Peace is found in one place. Peace is found in a person. His name is Jesus.

Peace is made possible through a personal relationship with Christ.

By: J Garrell, Circles Devotions
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