Jesus Came to Bring Us Peace
“And he shall be the one of peace.” Micah 5:5
Our response to Christmas often depends on our situation in life. When the children are at home, we go all out for Christmas. We decorate, bake cookies, and count down the days to Christmas. It is a wonderful time full of excitement and mystery. But this time passes, and we may then experience Christmas differently. Our decorating may wane and we will long for Christmases past.
Life has seasons. But Christmas is one of those times that is able to transcend them. The wonder of Christmas is not in the presents or decorations or laughter of children, although these certainly enhance it. The mystery of Christmas is in what God has done for humankind. For 2000 years, the story of the birth of Jesus has never grown old. Each time we revisit it, we are captured by its wonder.
Christmas may bring many emotions. It may bring joy and excitement; it certainly does to children. But it also brings a level of stress that ordinary seasons do not have. There is a lot to do and too little time in which to do it. The hurry of the season often impedes our ability to appreciate its splendor. The season may also bring us an added awareness of our losses. We may long for loved ones no longer here, and remember the joy they brought to the celebration of this season.
We are reminded by the prophet Micah, that Jesus did not come simply for the happy, the successful, or those whose lives were perfectly in order. Jesus came to bring light to the blind, healing to the needy, and good news to the poor. He came to bring us peace!
What will bring you greater peace this Christmas? Will it be time with family and friends? Will it be moments of reflection and solitude? Will it be a renewal of faith that comes through the activities of this time of year? Remember that Christ is the one who brings us peace. The more we remember him, the greater chance we have to experience hope for the present and future.
Our great and eternal peace is found in Jesus Christ. May Christ fill our hearts in this season, and may we turn our lives toward him, more and more, as we approach Christmas day.