“Peace on Earth” has become so linked to Christmas that it makes us think of the image of a baby sleeping in a manger, or tranquil snow-scenes that adorn cards sent by family and friends.
Yet throughout the rest of the year “peace” is far from this soothing feeling that warms our hearts. Peace is the absence of conflict in a society or relationship. An ideal that people are literally fighting and dying to obtain each and every day.
Wars rage worldwide as governments seek “peace” for their nations. Troubled souls are hurting, seeking peace for their troubled minds. Drugs, alcohol, sex and money being used to produce a temporary peace in a chaotic world.
We can trace our pain, suffering and unrest back to the original conflict – our separation from God, caused by sin entering the Garden of Eden. Since then man has struggled to find peace, wandering the earth restlessly like Cain.
For years the Jews believed that the Messiah would give them “peace” through victory over the Roman rulers of the time, but that was never God’s intention or Jesus’ purpose.
Isaiah 9:6 says “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
God didn’t send His Son to Earth to bring peace between men. God sent His son to restore peace between us and Himself. To restore the loving relationship God had always intended for us to have with Him.
From His chaotic birth, and through his perfect life, Jesus fought the battle for our very souls, and claimed victory over death.
At Christmas and every day we can find peace through Jesus Christ. Spiritual peace, rest for our weary and burdened souls, and a relationship with God the Father.
Yet throughout the rest of the year “peace” is far from this soothing feeling that warms our hearts. Peace is the absence of conflict in a society or relationship. An ideal that people are literally fighting and dying to obtain each and every day.
Wars rage worldwide as governments seek “peace” for their nations. Troubled souls are hurting, seeking peace for their troubled minds. Drugs, alcohol, sex and money being used to produce a temporary peace in a chaotic world.
We can trace our pain, suffering and unrest back to the original conflict – our separation from God, caused by sin entering the Garden of Eden. Since then man has struggled to find peace, wandering the earth restlessly like Cain.
For years the Jews believed that the Messiah would give them “peace” through victory over the Roman rulers of the time, but that was never God’s intention or Jesus’ purpose.
Isaiah 9:6 says “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
God didn’t send His Son to Earth to bring peace between men. God sent His son to restore peace between us and Himself. To restore the loving relationship God had always intended for us to have with Him.
From His chaotic birth, and through his perfect life, Jesus fought the battle for our very souls, and claimed victory over death.
At Christmas and every day we can find peace through Jesus Christ. Spiritual peace, rest for our weary and burdened souls, and a relationship with God the Father.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” John 14:27
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