by Sis. Tanya Bico
Reading for the day: John 14:25-27
I have always been drawn to this topic of peace. Unintentionally I was listening to my Spotify playlist relating to peace when I first started working on this devotional.
People seek peace by doing all kinds of things: going for a walk and reconnecting with nature or lighting up a candle and sipping tea before going to bed. I tend to visit the beach after a hectic day as my way of destressing.
When do you feel at peace or where do you find peace? When was the last time you really felt at peace?
Let’s face it, the Christmas season calls for joyful service, but can be one of the most demanding and taxing months for members of the church. You may be dealing right now with a measure of stress, anxiety or even burnout. Engrossed with assignments, caroling goals and a never ending list of things to do. Amidst the busyness of this season, let’s not forget one of the key messages of Christmas.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:14
The birth of the Savior was accompanied with the promise of peace.
As the prophesied “Prince of Peace”, Jesus came not only for a people troubled by the political climate of its time, but for a world longing for peace.
And this is possible only when there is first peace, between God and man. When you are at peace with God, you will experience true peace. True peace starts with Christ, and is found in Him.
The world today looks for peace and tries to achieve it. Will try to silence the noise in their head with vices and temporary pleasures. Will attempt to bring peace by their own terms and through their own flawed means. But that pursuit will always fail away from God, the source of true peace. We cannot be at peace, merely by our own doing.
“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.“
C.S. Lewis
Christmas teaches us that true peace is only possible because God gave His Son. It is guaranteed to us, because Jesus was born.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). – Matthew 1:23
God with us is the assurance of salvation.
God with us is the assurance of His presence.
God with us is the assurance of true peace.
This is not to brush off or dismiss our pains and worries. You see the promise of peace in God’s presence does not guarantee exemption from trials. After all, be it big or small, who does not have some burdens or problems?
And yet, if we drown in our worries we are discrediting Jesus. If we drown in our troubles we are dismissing His presence. When you feel too burdened or anxious–pause, rest and seek for God’s presence once again.
As you make your way to church this Sunday morning, resolve to enjoy and soak in His presence as you worship Him today and every day.
Reflection: When do you find peace in God’s presence? Are there moments or seasons in your life where you feel far from God? How do you seek for His presence once more?
Leave a Reply