“When we first experience peace with God, we enjoy the peace of God.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 23, 2024
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:14
Peace on earth begins with peace in the human heart. It is the result of an inner transformation that affects external conditions. For example, if a home is conflicted with angry adults, peace will come when hearts are captured by peace with God. When Jesus enters the arena of life, He brings peace to those who submit to Him.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:1-2).
Are you stressed out over meeting everyone’s expectations? Is the pressure of buying gifts, planning menus, and making year-end financial decisions pushing your patience to the edge? If so, inhale God’s peace and exhale others’ expectations. Be careful not to miss the joy of Jesus during this celebration of His birth. Focus on His desires.
Peace on earth does not mean all wars will cease, as our Savior taught, “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Mark 13:7). In fact, often following Christ means a clash with the mores of society, a discomfort with family members, and conflict with your work culture.
However, we can rest in the Lord during our unrest. The calming presence of Jesus was illustrated as He lay in swaddling clothes as the world’s Savior. His peace pursues impure hearts—He came to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). So, begin by surrendering to your Master Jesus, who began His reign in a humble manger.
Worship the glory of God in all of His goodness, mercy, and grace. Wise men and women still seek Him because He is the originator of wisdom and peace. His favor rests on those who rest in Him, love and obey Him, and follow Him throughout their lives. So settle down and see Jesus. Replace your frantic pace with calm faith and loud noise with quiet silence. Invite the peace of God to enter into your hurried heart. His peace settles stress.
Use this season of celestial celebration to celebrate your salvation in Christ. Bake a birthday cake for Jesus, and sing Happy Birthday to your Savior. Dress up in His honor and read the Christmas story. Encourage the children and grandchildren to take on Bible character roles and act out that special day in Bethlehem. Most of all, by grace, model for a world without peace—the world of peace Jesus gives you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus as the Prince of Peace to bring calm out of chaos and purpose out of confusion, in His name I pray, amen.
Application
Have you made peace with God? How can you rest in His peace under stressful situations?
Related Reading
Job 22:21; Psalm 85:8; Isaiah 9:6; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:7–9
Worship Resource
Casting Crowns feat. Matt Maher: Make Room
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