I love Christmas and yes, I get excited about all the lights, the trees, the beautiful Christmas displays, and the smiling faces. In the midst of all of that, I need to remind myself what the real purpose for the season is and even though we love all of that, it’s so easy to get distracted and forget why Jesus, our Lord and Savior, came into this world. First and foremost, He came to bring salvation to all of us, the forgiveness of our sins, and hope of eternal life in heaven. Today I want to address the second thing that He came to do. He came to bring peace. He is called the Prince of peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) says, “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.”
The stage is set. There couldn’t be a better moment with all this unrest and fear and anxiety and the mental health facilities filled to the brim. But Jesus quiets our soul with His Promise in John 14:27 (ESV) when He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
The peace that Jesus is talking about is not as the world gives. The world’s peace is circumstantial. Change the circumstances. Get rid of the distressing agent. Run away. Quit. If you cannot get away, medicate, eat, check out. Go to your idols for comfort. This is an unending cycle of hell.
Jesus’ peace is altogether different and has nothing to do with circumstances. Philippians 4:7 (ESV) says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The peace of God passes all understanding. God is in control, and He loves you, but you must be in union with Him through Christ and the Holy Spirit to have and walk in perfect peace.