Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders
What do you want for Christmas? If we are honest, most of us want something for Christmas although it may not be what we would have asked for many years ago.
Our unspoken wishes quite often include dreams for ourselves, or elevating family and friends, and even for positively changing the state of our present world. Did “peace” make your list? Each of us can experience peace even in the midst of the chaos that surrounds us because God’s peace short circuits worry and fear. Jesus explains:
“I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid” (John 14:27, CEV).
Can you visualize such peace? It’s the kind of peace that stabilizes your emotions, puts a song in your heart, and a smile on your lips when you acknowledge that despite what your surroundings say, you win!
There is no doubt that the razzle-dazzle of the holiday season often puts our nerves in frazzle mode. But it need not be so. Jesus, Emmanuel, is with us. The Scriptures confirm that Jesus is “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, KJV).
Focus on that last phrase. Prince…of...Peace.
Right now we live between advents: that of Jesus’ coming to earth as our Savior, and the other of Jesus’ return as our King. We live with God’s promise for everlasting peace when that day comes. Listen to what Isaiah, the prophet, foretold of Jesus’ Second Coming:
He will settle arguments
between nations.
They will pound their swords
and their spears
into rakes and shovels;
they will never make war
or attack one another.
What a day! Can you see it? Peace across the world. Peace that satisfies our souls. Peace that makes this struggle worth it. Peace that brings an end to strife, chaos, and calamity. Peace coming down from heaven, brought to us by the Son of God, the Prince of Peace!
Our Christmas celebrations are reminders of God’s promise, of God’s grace, and Jesus’ love for us. They are also a reminder that soon, Jesus, our Prince of Peace, will be coming back to bring peace to the world. Let’s make ready to receive him.
PRAYER: God, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of your Son, Jesus, bless each of us with your peace. Help us to share this wonderful gift with those around us. Prepare us, Lord, for that day when you come in glory and majesty as our Prince of Peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©Medytations 2022