It's me again God,
It's just a short time until Christmas Day and my 'to do' list is getting longer! My mind is busy with thoughts of cards I have not written, gifts that are still unwrapped and food that needs to be bought from grocery outlets that are extremely busy! There are early Christmas dinners to cater for, as well as extra cleaning to do. It's all made more challenging by doing Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere where Summer has definitely begun and humidity steals what little energy I have!
With so much going on during this festive season, it's not surprising that people wonder: where is this 'peace on earth' that the angels sang about after Jesus had been born in Bethlehem? The news reached shepherds via a visiting angel and they were about to be even more shocked when more heavenly visitors became visible:
"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.""
Luke 2:13-14 NIV
What a sight and I imagine it must have sounded pretty amazing too! This choir of angels were probably used to praising You but usually did so in Heaven! However, on this occasion, they had some things to proclaim and declare that You wanted the whole world to know! A most amazing event had taken place —You had sent Your Son to live as a man but it would become evident that the baby in Mary's arms would change things dramatically:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
John 3:16-17 NIV
Your message was clear —'peace on earth' because You loved us all so much! Your purpose was clear —saving a world that was lost and far away from You! You desired perfect fellowship with us —you didn't want us to be condemned! Through Your grace, Your unmerited favour, freely given to us in the gift of Your only Son, there is PEACE!
Thank You Lord that Your grace or favour is extended to ALL the world! I have already believed and received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour —Your favour rests on me! I receive with joy, the peace the angels sang and declared over all mankind. I choose to walk in peace because the Prince of Peace, (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus has come! I am Your child and I am not condemned:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."
Romans 8:1-2 NIV
Thank You so much for all You have done for me! I am free and I can have perfect peace and enjoy Your favour every moment of the day:
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Today I will fix my thoughts on You as I busily prepare an early Christmas meal for my extended family. I look forward to receiving Your peace, which is the only peace I need! I choose to trust You, through all the busyness —in the minor and major details of life. In the difficult situations I receive Your peace. In ongoing relational issues, I receive Your peace. In unexpected sorrows, I receive Your peace. With every anxious thought, I turn to You in prayer:
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7 NIV
In His Name, my Prince of Peace,
Amen.
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