We roar down the freeways, run through the malls, rumble in the homes, riot in the streets--and then race to the Christmas Eve service to reflect on "Christmas peace." Sounds like a '90s oxymoron, doesn't it--and the devil laughs as he chases peace out of our world, our homes and our hearts. There's no peace to be found anywhere that lasts--unless you know the Christ of Christmas. So STOP the commercial Christmas merry-go-round. Let's journey to a peaceful place--the Well at Bethlehem. Leave your packages, shopping list, decorations and baking behind--you won't need any of it, for THAT'S not Christmas to HIm! Whew, what a relief....I was worn out anyway!
A Helping Word...or
Two!
Fear Not, Shepherds! When God surprises you, He brings peace.
It's a cold, wintry night and you're just doing your job, the same job you've done night after night, year after year--watching the silly sheep and waiting for the signs of dawn! You've done it all your life--your dad and grandpa did it, you're teaching your son to do it. Talk about boring--nothing ever happens on the hillsides here, and besides, nobody cares about lowly shepherds! But wait a minute. Listen! Something IS happening tonight. An angel appears in the dark sky, surrounded by a host of other angels, and there's words, wonderful words of life! "Fear not," says the angel. "I bring you good tidings of great joy." And he announces the birth of the Savior to the frenzied, frightened, forgotten shepherds, who'd never seen angels before or after, and had no idea what in the world was happening! God would appear to THEM? Surely there must be a mistake. The angels got the wrong directions--they wouldn't appear to a bunch of weary wool-watchers! But GOD loves to surprise weary wool-watchers, especially in the middle of their night--and what a night, what a surprise!
...and He loves to surprise us too! He knows the darkness of our nights, the dreariness and distresses of our days. And He comes with sight and sound only the heart can see and hear. Look closely and you will see His garment. Listen closely and you will hear His voice. There's a "Peace, be still" waiting in the darkness for you this night--for THAT'S what Christmas is all about!
Fret Not, Joseph! When God sustains you, He brings peace
It's a cold, wintry night and Joseph can't sleep. Why, he's in love--and everyone knows that when you fall in love, you lose your sleep! You lie awake dreaming and--oh, no, it's not a dream, it's a nightmare. Mary, beloved betrothed one of Joseph, is pregnant. God knows he's not responsible--God knows she's not responsible. "What in the world is happening and what in the world do I do?" stresses Joseph. No wonder he couldn't sleep--could you? But sleep comes, and God appears in a dream. "Fear not to take Mary as your wife, Joseph....I know what I am doing and it's OK, Joseph--I am in control." In so many words, Joseph's loving Heavenly Father put to rest any doubts or despairs Joseph was experiencing. God sustained Joseph in distinct direction and divine peace. Through nine months of whispered rumors and watching eyes, He was there!
...and He will sustain you too. He knows the perplexities and problems of your life. Lots of unanswered questions, incomprehensible circumstances over which you've no control? Remember Joseph--and know that Joseph's God is your God too. He will not forsake you--so stop fretting and fuming about what's going on in your life. God knows--and He will sustain you through the burdens and bewilderments of life. He will give you His distinct direction and divine peace--for THAT'S what Christmas is all about.
Forget Not, Mary! When God selects you, He brings peace.
It's a LONG nine-months' winter's night for Mary, the mother of Jesus. She bears within her the Son of God--but the world doesn't know or accept it. She's been selected by her Heavenly Father to be the earthly mother of the Redeemer--but the world doesn't know or accept that either. A young girl--pure, pregnant, unmarried--and unheard of! The rumors swirl around her as well as Joseph, and yet she holds her head high. She remembers when the angel appeared--how could she ever forget! She was selected by God; she's His chosen vessel to bring into the world the Promised Prince of Peace. God will see her through--for she will remember His Word. His plan is infallible and impeccable. A God of integrity has chosen a girl of integrity; divinity and devotion meet within the heart of a young girl--and all is well.
...and all is well for you too. God has selected you. He has chosen you to serve Him, to be His ambassador and witness to a weary world. Not everyone will believe nor accept; not everyone will rejoice or applaud, and yet, your mission is clear. Follow His call and His will, and the peace will come. Hold your head high in the face of devils, distresses, and defeats--and remember, there is no devil, distress or defeat that can conquer you. You are a chosen vessel to bring the peace of God into your world. Carry His presence and peace wherever you go--for THAT'S what Christmas is all about.
Need some heavenly peace this Christmas? Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds and the kids. Get alone with your Lord and let the Christ of Christmas calm your fears, soothe your fretful spirit, and remind you of His special love. The Prince of Peace came into this world almost 2000 years ago--and He comes to you afresh and anew to fill your heart and life with His wonderful, glorious peace. Receive it today and have a great week!
"Lord, I'm hassled and harried and need your peace in my heart today. Take the distresses and discouragements, the fears and fretfulness, and let me know your unique love and presence in my own heart today. O Christ of Christmas, I receive Thy peace now. In Your Name, Amen.
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