Receive is a Christmas Word. Both transformative & foundational.
Joy is a Christmas Word .

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Peace is a Christmas Word!

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1

Paul penned a very bold statement to the church at Rome … and the Holy Spirit speaks it to us. We have peace, right now, in whatever circumstances, present tense.

But is that peace our reality?

In the midst of writing this post, I’m surrounded by friends battling cancer, living with the destruction of the Camp Fire, the imminent death of a parent, even computer issues potentially stealing the peace of God we are promised.

I remember walking into the counselor’s office with Bill for the first time. I’m sure he (the counselor) noticed my self-protective posture and the defensiveness in my countenance. At that moment my life was emanating the very opposite of peace. But by our second day with him, my shoulders were relaxing, my jaw was un-clenching, and trust was beginning to flow. And as trust flowed, peace followed. Peace, another fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) became my reality.

As Hebrews 12:11 describes, “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” took over.

What made the difference?

Jesus was there waiting for me. His peace was mine to receive;
and receiving is different from finding.

I began experiencing the counselor’s help.
I began trusting his wisdom.
With grateful humility I received what he offered.

Peace is a Christmas Word.

Peace is another gift Jesus offers. Peace is ours to receive.

Jesus, the gift we celebrate at Christmas is the peace we long for.

Isaiah prophesied about Jesus long before he was born calling him the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Jesus testifies about himself that he is leaving us his gift of peace which looks different from the peace we expect in the world. John 14:27
Paul describes Jesus as Lord of peace in his benediction to his letter to the Thessalonians.
II Thessalonians 3:16

Peace is a Christmas Word. Peace is a gift that is ours to receive.

Kara Tippetts, in the introduction to her first book says, “In the depths of my illness, I have been able to set aside my striving and look for God’s presence in my suffering. My season of weakness has taught me the joy of receiving, the strength of brokenness, and the importance of looking for God in each moment … because hard is often the vehicle Jesus uses to meet us, point us to that peace, and teach us grace.” The Hardest Peace. (Italics within quote, mine)

This second week of Advent two of my friends also penned blogs about peace. I think you’ll appreciate their words. Thank you Janet Newberry, Recognizing Peace This Christmas and Cheri Johnson, You Can’t Buy Peace.

https://janetnewberry.com/recognizing-peace-this-christmas/

https://cherideejohnson.com/you-cant-buy-peace/

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A scripture to meditate on: Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

A question to ask: What would it look like for me to experience Jesus’ peace being brought to me?

A prayer to pray: God, I want your peace to be my reality. Today, help me to receive the peace you have promised. Amen

Next Thursday, Wonder is a Christmas Word.