Christmas Peace?
“And His name will be called . . . Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. Families gather for joyous celebrations, communities put up Christmas lights for holiday atmosphere, and even the air itself smells special—all raising “peace on earth, goodwill to all” expectations all-around.
But contrary to many Christmas movies, trials and tribulations do not take the holidays off. While we look forward to Christmas and hope it will be a great time, we live in a fallen world which can even make Christmas painful.
For some families, there will be an empty place at the table because a loved one is no longer there. For some parents, the hope for a prodigal child to return in time for the holidays will be met with their continued absence. Some will be surrounded by people but feel outcast and abandoned. Still, others will find themselves alone during this season wishing that someone would love them.
Whatever happened to “peace on earth, good will toward men?”
Regardless of where you find yourself in life, be reminded that Christ loved the world so much that he came down from Heaven. And He did not come to just sit around in a manger. He came to bear the cross for sin and its consequences—provide salvation to anyone who will believe in Him.
Living in a fallen world means there is chaos—instead of peace—chaos that we contribute to daily. Yet Christ came into this chaotic world and bore upon Himself the sins of the whole world. Why? Because He loves everyone, including you and me. But no matter where we find ourselves this Christmas season, we can find hope and comfort in the person of Christ, if we will seek Him! “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
Luke Pauli, Director of Advancement & BA Degree Major in Pastoral Studies
