"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 NIV
As I do nearly every weekday afternoon regardless of the weather, I set out for a 15 minute walk on my break from work yesterday. Not only was it unseasonably warm for the end of December but the sun was shining, the birds were singing and a few leaves were still falling softly from the trees. The day seemed nearly perfect. "Oh Lord," I thought to myself as I briskly meandered through the gravel paths of the quiet cemetery behind the Health Department where I'm blessed to be employed. "It's so calm and relaxing out here. In a world that seems to be getting more disorderly, unruly, and chaotic every day, I can't thank You enough for the peace You provide. Thank You for Christmas and all that it means."
And you know, things were not much different at the time when Jesus came into the world two thousand years ago as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger. The world was in turmoil, plagued by idolatry, and full of lawlessness, discontent and injustice. And just like today, the people needed peace; the peace that only the "Prince of Peace" could provide. But Jesus didn't come that first Christmas morning to take away the things that threatened their peace but to be the Source of their peace in spite of them. And you can be sure He is still doing the same thing today. He was, is, and always will be the Source of peace in the midst of unrest and He is the reason you and I can smile today knowing that everything will be okay.
So in this season of celebration, let us be ever thankful for the birth of our Savior and the peace that He gives to every person who chooses to accept Him as Lord. And let us be ever more determined to share that Source of true Peace with the lost. It would surely be the greatest gift they could ever receive this Christmas.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the true peace that only You can provide. Lord, the peace this world offers is fleeting and based on circumstances but your peace is not. You provide peace despite circumstances. You provide peace in the good times and bad, peace so abundant and overwhelming that it defies understanding. Thank You for this season of Christmas and all that it means. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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