I received a phone call recently from a mum on holidays with her husband and young children. It was their second day and she was in tears. It was only 8.30 am. The children woke up at 5:00AM and were off the walls in their small holiday apartment waiting for the day’s activity to start. They were fighting over the silliest things, being impatient and rude. Both parents wondered whose children they had with them. This dear woman had no peace and was in distress about not enjoying her holiday. They wanted to have some happy family time before the rush of Christmas set upon them.
God’s arrival on earth in human form was announced to some shepherds by an angel. Then suddenly more angels appeared praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.’ (NIV)
For some people, Christmas doesn’t equate to this declaration of peace on earth.
Some feel it’s approaching at the speed of knots with so much to do and accomplish before Christmas morning. There are end of year functions to attend, presents to buy, studies to finish, family relationships to manage, vacation child minding to arrange plus much more before we can even think of the birth of Christ and the associated joy and peace we see expressed on greeting cards, gift-wrapping, decorations and carols.
Peace seems elusive in today’s world.
Peace seems elusive in today’s world even though in John 14:27 when Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death he told them, ‘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.‘ Thinking about this, I found some scriptures to help us understand how we too, can receive peace from Christ.
- By Faith – ‘Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.’ Romans 5:1
By Prayer – ‘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 4:6-7
By the Spirit – ‘So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.’ Romans 8:6
That young mum is a woman of faith, so after talking things through I prayed with her that God would give her creative solutions. I phoned her a few days later to find all was well and peaceful. She did get a creative idea along with some mindset changes.
As the year comes to a close this is my prayer for you.
‘May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.’ 2 Thessalonians 3:16