Peace On Earth
December 18-19
Peace On Earth
In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!” Psalm 72:7
Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the festivities of the season, the decorations, giving gifts, spending time with family and friends, and most of all, I love to think about what the Lord has done for us – I love meditating on the hope that comes with the birth of the baby boy wrapped in a manger. However, this joy is often bitter-sweet when I realize many struggle to find God’s joy and peace this time of year. Because of financial pressures, strained relationships, health problems, or just the busyness of the holidays, Christmas can be a season of stress, pain, or depression rather than joy.
Sometimes we forget that Jesus was born into very difficult times, much like many people face today. His family knew what it was like to experience a strong political upheaval, economic stress, and rejection. It would have been easy for them to feel hopeless at times. So if you’re facing some challenging circumstances this holiday season, you are not alone. That’s exactly what the first Christmas was like.
Find courage in the fact that our Saviors story doesn’t end there. Take Heart! We have already received His encouragement. Consider the words written in John chapter 16: “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” (John 16:33).
No, we’re not promised a trouble-free, pain-free life. But the promise of Christmas is actually something far BETTER: that Jesus will be our Immanuel – God with us in every situation (Matthew 1:23). Even if you are going through “the darkest valley” of your life today, you don’t have to be afraid. Why? Because the Lord is with you, right there in the midst of it all.
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