Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 22, 2015
By Tripp Prince.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
In December of 1914, a moment of great peace famously emerged in the midst of one of the deadliest wars in all of human history. Just months into the Great War, German and Allied forces had already seen unimaginable violence and death. Yet, as Christmas arrived on the Western Front, both sides agreed to lay down arms and celebrate Christmas together. The Christmas truce saw the two sides coming together to exchange gifts, sing hymns and carols, and by some reports even enjoy a game of soccer. In the words of the film Joyeux Noël, it was “a moment of humanity that changed everything.”
For the men present that Christmas, it was surely a moment they would never forget. However, as the sun rose on the morning of December 26th, they were painfully aware that this was a temporary and fleeting peace. It had not “changed everything.”
As Christians approaching the Nativity of our Lord, we with great hope anticipate “a moment of humanity that changed everything.”
When God became man, taking on humanity and entering into our brokenness, he also secured for us the hope of lasting peace. It is a peace unlike anything the world has ever known or seen. It is a hope for peace in a world torn apart by violence and hatred. It is a hope for peace in a world of insecurity, isolation, and doubt. It is a hope for peace in a world where men and women are enslaved to sin and death.
When we lose sight of this great hope of peace, we fall into anxiety and despair. When we forget the goodness of God shown in Jesus, we are left to trust in our own efforts at peacemaking, which always fail and leave us wanting. Yet when we remember and experience the peace of God, we are set free from anxiety and worry.
Jesus Christ is the baby born in the manger, yet he is also the Prince of Peace. He rules over the world in perfect love and justice, and when we see him as he truly is, we are set free from our fears and doubts. Hope and trust in Jesus this day, and “let not your hearts be troubled!”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Prayer: Father, free me today from anxiety and fear by reminding me of the peace you give.
Related Readings: Psalm 119:165; Luke 1:76-79; Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Post/Tweet this today: Jesus Christ is the baby born in the manger, yet he is also the Prince of Peace. #lastingpeace #WisdomHunters
Worship Resource: 5 minute video- Gaither’s: O Holy Night
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