Is Peace Possible?

Well, we've made it almost to the end of our third week in Advent. This week our focus will be on "peace."

Peace. What a lovely word. What a hope and desire, not only for ourselves, but for the whole world! This time of year we hear a great deal about peace. It appears on the verbiage of Christmas cards and in the carols we sing. The concept hangs in the air, wafting through our thoughts, tapping us on the shoulder at every turn.

We think of being at peace. Maybe you'd enjoy having a little peace and quiet! The season is supposed to be peaceful, isn't it? Yet, oftentimes it's anything but, with all the rushing and running, baking and wrapping. That word SEEMS to be sprinkled liberally over everything our hands find to do during this special time of year... the impetus for having plates so full; but to the palate, it's lacking, especially when it comes to feeling... well, peaceful.

Let's step away from the Christmas preparations for a moment and just discuss the situation in the world right now. Have you seen the news lately? The war between Russia and Ukraine continues, Covid appears to be on the rise again, and prices at the grocery store continue to hike higher and higher. Does any of that information bring you peace? It doesn't do it for me. It begs the question: Is it even possible to have peace?

Well, yes... and no. We understand those answers in the context of the words Jesus spoke in John 14:27. Here Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you."

Ok, then. We CAN have peace, the peace Jesus gives. His peace is a peace that lasts, whereas the world's peace rarely does. The peace Jesus came to bring is FOR the entire world, the whole human race, and yet, it's also incredibly personal. The "world" focuses on a peace that's external, absent of strife. Jesus brings a peace that is internal, and we can have that kind of peace even amidst turmoil.

Our world could come crashing down around us... and, honestly, it often does... but we can still have a sure and certain peace, because we have Jesus. We have salvation. We are right with God once again, and heaven is secured.

The second half of verse 27 reads: "Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." God never promised us a completely peaceful existence here, but in the here and now we CAN still have peace, even when life in this fallen world is tough. Really tough.

Now please don't misunderstand what I'm about to say, but I think those tough times can help us long for heaven. Those hardships drive us to our knees with the words, "Come, Lord, quickly."

And He does. He always does.

Though He may not answer our prayer by removing us from the hardship... taking us to heaven the moment we utter that phrase, He does come, and He brings us His peace. He bends down, wraps His strong arms around us, and holds us close... comforting us, reassuring us.

Peace came to earth the night Jesus was born. Peace was won at the cross and solidified by Jesus' resurrection. We needn't be afraid. No matter what gets reported on the nightly news. No matter what storms rage in our lives. We have peace... because we have Jesus, and His is the only true peace that is everlasting.

The carol for this week is : Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. This carol is bursting with the Gospel message. Such beautiful words. Such peace they give: "Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth."

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."

Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies,

With th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heav'n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord;

Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the favored one.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th' incarnate Deity!

Pleased, as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail! The heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail! The Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings.

Mild he lays His glory by, born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

God's blessings this week for peace in your life and in your heart. Rejoice! He comes!!