Sunday, December 11, 2016

Let There Be Peace on Earth



Many Christmas songs call for “Peace on Earth.”  As much as we would like a peaceful world, it’s easy to feel helpless when we see so much war and turmoil all over our planet. Maybe we need to look within to find peace in our own lives before we can impact our world.

In 2015 my friend, Tanya Hall, and I collaborated in writing 28 Advent devotionals for our church members to use during the weeks leading to Christmas. We used a stanza from the beloved Christmas song O Holy Night for each devotional. I’m pleased to post one of Tanya’s devotions where she shares her thoughts on the true source of peace.




O Holy Night

“His law is love and His gospel is peace.”

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14


What does peace mean to you? Is it the absence of conflict?  Is it really possible to experience peace in the midst of great conflict? According to the Bible, the peace given by God transcends all understanding. In other words–it doesn’t make sense. But we know God loves to work in the impossible. Many years ago I struggled with a situation that I could not move past. I was stuck. For seven years my mind and emotions were tormented. I could not enjoy the present, because I was stuck in the past. God did a healing in me that only He could do. He gave me a peace that transcended my understanding. I knew it was from God because nothing else I tried worked. His peace wrapped around my mind and emotions until I could rest from the battle.

God’s peace doesn’t make sense to the world yet it’s the world’s greatest need. Everybody is looking for peace. We all seek peace on earth, but it’s only in God that true peace resides. HE IS PEACE. He longs to fill you with His peace which abides in spite of earthy conflict. It truly transcends ALL understanding. The peace the angels proclaimed at the birth of Jesus has yet to be realized. It didn’t make sense to the chaotic world of Jesus’ time and makes no sense to our world today.

If you are lacking true peace, turn to Him. It’s the best gift you can give yourself.

 Lord,You are my peace in this chaotic world. Amen.



Wise men and women still seek Him.  

4 comments:

  1. How the world needs God and the peace only He can give.

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  2. Frieda, we must not take this wonderful peace for granted... both the peace of God and the peace with God... He is our source of peace and joy! Thank you for this great devotional. Love to you from Carleen

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  3. Beautiful and so true all year round. BBT

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  4. I used to feel peace was God's greatest gift...but He said love is the greatest. True. Joy, peace and love, these three-but the greatest is love. JOY right now is the important one during this busy season because the joy of the Lord is my strength! All His gifts are priceless!

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