the gift of peace

Jesus was born in a manger during a tumultuous time, emerging as the Prince of Peace rather than the Prince of Chaos. Bethlehem was lively on the evening of His birth, deliberately selected as an unconventional backdrop for His arrival. The world was introduced to peace in a modest stable, sparking a moment of awe as all of creation acknowledged the significance of that holy night.

Throughout His earthly journey, Jesus exemplified God's peace as an enduring blessing through His very presence. His arrival ushered in peace wherever He traveled, even calming storms with a single command.

Reflect on an interesting observation by Luke about the night of Jesus' birth. In Luke 2:13, it states, ‘Suddenly a great company of Heavenly Host appeared with the angel praising God (The word “host” in ancient English means “army.” A battalion of powerful angels appeared suddenly, creating a magnificent light display in the sky. Jesus was born into a battlefield, igniting conflict on all sides. He was a child born amidst turmoil.)

In ancient biblical times, conflict was prevalent, with the Old Testament resembling a script for a grand war film. The onset of war coincided with the separation of light and darkness.

The Heavenly “Host” accompanied Jesus as a symbol that peace would triumph in a world consumed by war. Jesus came to fight for us, to grant us freedom, and to show that perfect peace can be achieved even in the midst of battles for our souls, minds, and bodies. While we may encounter challenges, the victory was sealed in a manger over two thousand years ago. Jesus overcame the enemy on our behalf, granting us the gift of His perfect peace.

Where is your peace?

Dear Father,

Thank you for Your selfless gift of entering this world to fight for me, enduring the most excruciating death. Your love is unconditional, and I am grateful. Help me understand and embrace Your delight in me as I am. Grant me clarity in Your Peace, may it prevail in challenging times. Empower me to fight courageously from a place of peace, knowing You are in control. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Consider these scriptures as you saturate the gift of Peace!

Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; they confidently trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

I leave the gift of peace with you—My Peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous. John 14:27

And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world! John 16:33

The Lord your God is with you. The mighty warrior who saves. Zephaniah 3:17

Excerpt from O Holy Night

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