Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas Peace
The evening air was crisp but not freezing. The hot chocolate was invitingly warm. Southbridge common was teeming with people who were there to celebrate Christmas. Santa rode in on his “sleigh” and heavenly carols brought tears to people’s eyes. Thanks to town council vice chair, Denise Clemence, and other organizers of “Holiday Visions” it was November 27th and we were already savoring Christmas.
Knowing that many businesses and people donated money and time to provide the rest of us with town decorations and family-friendly festivities made the experience even more special. Since I was attending with carolers from Acts II Ministries, Empower New England and two Prayer Groups that meet in Southbridge, I had an opportunity to say a few words to the crowd. We were the background entertainment so I’m not sure how many people heard what I said, but I was speaking my true convictions. I told them that Christmas is special to me because it is a celebration of the day peace came to earth.
I explained that I recently read a profound statement that prompted me to do some research. The statement was: “There were no major wars on earth while Jesus was alive”. A quick search of three online war lists seems to support that claim. One source listed the final prior to Christ’s birth was a Chinese war that ended in 22BC. The next war listed was between Rome and Britain in 43 AD. None of the lists recorded any wars listed during the years Christ was on earth. With so little research I can not say, authoritatively, that there were no wars, but there sure seems to have been a lull.
I can authoritatively declare what the most verified book in the world states concerning Jesus. The Bible says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus was God in flesh and He came to bring peace!
Unfortunately mankind responded to God’s love with the illegal and violent lynching of Jesus Christ. Ironically it was the cruel slaughter of Calvary that insured peace on earth. Jesus gave his life so that each human being could be redeemed. Now peace is available to every individual. If each person alive would choose Christ, there would be peace on earth. That is what will make heaven heaven – everyone there will have chosen Christ as their King and their Prince of Peace.
Like most people, I want peace on earth. Yet history is proving that godless governments cannot bring peace. Peace is not man-made, it is God-made. Peace comes from living life God’s way. Christmas is the time of year when we get a little taste of heaven – some Christmas peace. If you don’t have peace, maybe you have never really met the Christ child. Wise men still seek Him. He still gives peace to those who are humble enough to accept His invitation to be born again and enter into his Kingdom of Peace. World peace starts with individuals. This could be a landmark Christmas for you. Seek Christ this Christmas. Find that “peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” (Philippians 4:7)
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