Peace

Though the town of Bethlehem was small in size, out of it would come the Ruler who would reign as King of Kings and redeem us from our sin. This video reflects the Peace that Christ our Lord brings this Christmas season or any time of the year. It shows the miracle of the virgin birth that gave us the Messiah Jesus. His death on the cross has brought peace and reconciliation to mankind.

Peace is prevalent in the Bible. Some of my favorite verses are:

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 NIV

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…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. Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

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

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Do not be anxious about anything…really?! I struggle with this often! We all want peace of mind and no worries. We want to enjoy life and everything it has to offer. However, sometimes we can't find peace of mind. We become depressed. We often get angry and lash out at God or those near to us.

Today we try to buy peace. We try to negotiate peace. Sometimes we try to force peace. Doctors try to prescribe peace and lawmakers try to legislate peace. Some people even try to manipulate peace.

Why can’t we find peace? Where do we start? What do we do? Well, the best place to start is with God. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” --Colossians 3:15. Jesus not only gives you salvation and heaven, but also gives you peace before you get there.

Ultimately it’s about God dwelling in us. We need to clear our hearts and minds of any continual sin, unforgiveness, anger, and any other barriers to make room for Him to dwell within us. He wants us to be holy, pure, and righteous—“For the kingdom of God is… righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”--Romans 14:17. You can expect peace and joy to become a part of your daily life when you are a Christian - but just like all the other benefits of the kingdom of God, these attributes come at a price.

In some ways, it is easier to be in the world, but “Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” -- Luke 9:62. We can't look back. We must proceed in our walk with Christ - we must learn to hear His voice and obey His commands. Only then will we feel and experience His joy and peace.

Have you experienced the peace of God, which transcends all understanding?

Will you trust Him and not worry?

Will you pray about everything in your life?

Will you read and meditate on the Word of God?

And finally, will you do, what God calls you to do?