People the world over are searching for peace. Indeed we
are to “seek peace and pursue it” as Psalm 34:14 says, but we frequently look
for peace in things which will only offer temporary contentment. Even our
closest family and friends are unable to provide lasting peace.
The only Person who can fill us with the peace we long
for is prophesied in 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.” This
Scripture is often read during the Christmas season as it speaks of the
Messiah, our Saviour, who was born in Bethlehem. A host of heavenly angels
appeared to shepherds and said, “Glory to
God in the highest and on earth peace
to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) When Jesus ministered to
people He often brought peace as He healed the sick, caused the lame to walk,
made blind eyes see, forgave sin, cast demons out of those possessed, and
raised the dead to life.
When Jesus revealed to His disciples that He would soon
be leaving this world and returning to Heaven, He comforted them by saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not
let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) He knew
they would face hardship and opposition so He promised the presence of His Holy
Spirit to all those who believe in His name and follow Him. Jesus said, “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.”
Jesus Christ did overcome the power of this world and our
enemy, the Devil, by giving His own life to pay the price for our sin. This is
God’s plan to bring peace to all people as Colossians 1:19-20 clearly explains,
“For God was pleased to have all His
fullness dwell in Him (Christ), and through Him (Christ) to reconcile to
Himself (God) all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by
making peace through His (Christ’s)
blood, shed on the cross.”
When our relationship with God is right and secure we
have the peace He has promised. The Psalmist says, “Great peace have they who
love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165) Living
in the peace of God is also healthy as Solomon points out in Proverbs 14:30, “A heart at peace gives life to the body…”, and Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in You.”
 |
| near Salzburg, Austria |
One of my most favourite Christmas carols was written by
Joseph Mohr with music by Franz Gruber. Both lived in the Salzburg region of
Austria and their now beloved song was first played on Christmas Eve, 1818, in
Oberndorf. Tradition suggests that the church organ was broken prompting Mohr
to request a guitar accompaniment by organist Gruber. They performed the melody
in St. Nicholas church and the tranquil hymn, “Silent Night” (Stille Nacht) has
been enjoyed by millions every Christmas since then.
“Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child,
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.”
“Now may the
Lord of Peace
Himself
continually grant
you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with
you all.”
Until next Sunday,
No comments:
Post a Comment
It makes our day to hear from all of our Take Six friends. We read each and every comment, and love it when you visit us!! If you ask us a question we will answer it as a 'reply' in the comment section, so be sure and check back! XO