Monday, December 23, 2013
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
CHRISTMAS CONTRASTS: PEACE AND STRIFE
Picture a mob scene: people running frantically, pushing one another, screaming and shouting, grabbing hair and clothing. Sounds like something out of a war zone or an impoverished nation, doesn't it? Actually, it's a fitting description of the shopping experience on the day after Thanksgiving, aptly named "Black Friday". Christmas shopping is often a stressful event, with people striving and fighting for the best deals. What a strange thing to be doing at a time of year that is meant to be peaceful! It's very ironic that in our attempt to make Christmas a peaceful and relaxing time, we often turn it into a time of striving and stress.
There certainly is a great contrast between the strife that mankind generates and the peace that God brings. At no time of year is this more apparent than Christmas. Many people talk about "peace" around Christmas but they do not necessarily mean the same thing that God does. Worldly peace means being able to enjoy yourself and relax, taking time out for family, and an end to all earthly problems. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace, promises so much more when He speaks of His peace. His peace transcends all understanding and is able to conquer all strife. His peace is not a whimsical, fairy tale type of peace; it has substance and backing behind it. His peace gives us confidence and security even in the harshest of conflicts. Jesus offers forgiveness of sin, the restoration of your relationship with God -- that's true peace!
Christmas is not simply about defining "peace" on our own terms or according to whatever makes us happy. Rather it's about the peace that your Savior freely offers, the inner-calm of faith despite the raging world around you, the sinful flesh that tempts you, or that old, evil foe who lies to you. The peace of the Christ-child, the true peace of Christmas, is complete in every way.
