PEACE
11th Dec 2024
The whole country was in turmoil, it was ruled by the Roman’s, people were travelling great distances to register in a census. Mary & Joseph had taken a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, their baby had just been born in a stable. Not an ideal start to raising a family!
The Son of God, Jesus has just made His entry into the world. This birth was announced by angelic hosts, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14)
There was nothing but unrest and confusion in the political scene, and into this mess and turbulence comes the one prophesied by Isaiah, “A child is born, a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called……Prince of Peace.”
This is sounding like the world we are living in at this present time, turmoil, war, unrest and chaos. The mission of Jesus was to bring peace into a troubled world, and He is still doing it today.
Wherever Jesus goes He brings peace. In His last message to His disciples He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
We are once again celebrating Christmas, which should be a time of joy and peace, but there is so much around us that is wanting to fill our lives with fear and anxiety. Even as families gather for the festive holiday, disagreements and upset can seek to mar the occasion.
In Philippians, Paul speaks about us receiving the “Peace that passes understanding”. When Jesus is present He transforms the whole atmosphere. After the resurrection, the disciples were behind locked doors full of fear, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be unto you.”
The circumstances that we are living with are seeking to rob us of peace, we need to make sure that our celebrations are filled with the presence of Jesus and the peace that He brings.
by Charles Sibthorpe
