PEACE.
In the Christmas season, we often close our eyes and wish for peace. We imagine the quiet snow falling, a warm crackling fire, or the silent night in a manager years ago. We long to experience Christmas Peace.
Peace is a Christmas advent that we focus on because of our need for that inner calm. A sense that everything will be OK. A deep breath that reminds us that Christ is with us.
Situations and demands are coming at us from so many directions all year, but especially at Christmas we can feel overwhelmed by it all. Outer storms make it hard to hold onto that peaceful feeling. At Christmas time, we must be intentional about pursuing the peace that surpasses our understanding.
“For unto 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 9:6
Looking at a small nativity scene in my home, it looks so quiet and peaceful. But I think about Mary all those years ago. I don’t think that she expected the birth of her son, the Christ Child, to include a journey at 9 months pregnant to a land unknown to her. But she held her peace. She was able to experience Christmas peace.
In Luke chapter 2 we read about the shepherds who were keeping their sheep when the angel appeared. They must have been afraid (I think I would be if suddenly an angel came to me) since we next read:
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
Luke 2:13-14
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
When they realized what happened they looked at each other and said “We have to go to Bethlehem and tell everyone what happened!!” (vs 15). So the shepherds headed to Bethlehem in search of the baby and they told everyone they saw who this baby was. They praised God and gave Him glory since they were all amazed.
Here, in this excitement and chaos, likely noise and perhaps arguing or unbelief, sat Mary. A young girl. Can you imagine how she must have felt? Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Maybe still in pain from giving birth.
But the bible says that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” She listened to the excitement and joy of the miracle she was experiencing and she chose peace.
We face situations in our daily lives that leave us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, defeated, angry, stressed, or like we want to quit. We want to complete all the items on our list. Longing to please everyone around us. But circumstances, chaos, and crazy interruptions seek to steal our peace.
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But the angels said to the shepherds “peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (vs. 14).
God’s favor rests on YOU, sweet momma. And that means so does His PEACE. We experience Christmas peace by simply recognizing that it is right in front of us. Jesus is offering us that “peace that transcends our understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Trust Him today to faithfully provide that peace in the moment you ask for it.
Be mindful these days embrace the Peace of God as you face the outer storms of life. When situations creep in to ruffle our hearts, close your eyes, and embrace the peace of the Holy Spirit. Since we know that peace is a fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians, we also know that we cannot have peace on our own accord.
“Let the PEACE of Christ rule in [umpire] your hearts”
– Colossians 3:15
Peace comes when we realize that it does not depend on our circumstances. When I trust that my peace can only come from Him, then I am free to receive it. Peace is the confidence that God loves me so much that He sent His son Jesus as a gift. Peace says no to the world and yes to God. We need this peace to carry us year-round, not just at Christmas.
Finally, as you allow God’s peace to rule the directions of your heart, when you rest in it, and experience the miracle of Christ’s peace, you can spread peace. Be that instrument of His Peace. Our responses can be peaceful and calm situations. The emotions of others will be impacted by the miracle of peace when we are resting in it ourselves.
He is our Peace.
Peace is a person.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and in Him alone can we experience the peace that surpasses our understanding.
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This week as you focus on PEACE, recall the shepherds being visited by the angels and rushing to Bethlehem to meet Jesus excited and amazed. Think of Mary who “treasured up all these things” and how, in the midst of chaos, she chose to trust, be still, and fully experience the miracle of peace within her.
Read and meditate on Luke 2:8-21. Consider the Christmas story through their eyes and perspective. That it might bring PEACE to your own story today.
Use a simple prayer to breathe in when you lose that peace. Be intentional to experience Christmas Peace, embrace peace, and allow peace to envelop you this week.
He is the Prince of Peace.
Peacefully,
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS