All these and more are part of North American Christmas. But what about the first Christmas? Why is the original story—the baby in a manger, shepherds, wise men, angels—important, if at all?

May I invite you to consider eight reasons why the original Christmas story matters, even to you? You may not agree with all of them, but perhaps they will stimulate your thinking and maybe even kindle some feelings that resonate with that famous story.

First, the Christmas story is important because it is…

A Story that Has Endured

For two millennia, people have told of the child in a Bethlehem manger; of angels who announced his birth to shepherds; of learned men who traveled a great distance to view him. (1)

That a story persists for many years does not prove its truthfulness. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy survive in the popular imagination. But a twenty-century tenure at least merits our consideration. What deep human longings does the Christmas story portray? Why has it connected so profoundly with millions of people? Is the story factual? Curiosity prompts further investigation.

Second, the Christmas story is also . . .

A Story of Hope and Survival

Jesus’ society knew great pain and oppression. Rome ruled. Corrupt tax collectors burdened the people. Some religious leaders even sanctioned physical beating of Jewish citizens participating in compulsory religious duties. (2)

Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary traveled a long distance to Bethlehem to register for a census but could not obtain proper lodging. Mary bore her baby and laid him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. Eventually, King Herod sought to kill the baby. Warned of impending risk, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt, then returned home after Herod’s death.

Imagine how Mary felt. Traveling while pregnant would be challenging. Fleeing to another nation lest some king slay your son would not be pleasant. Yet she, Joseph, and Jesus survived the ordeal.

In the midst of social and cultural challenges, the Christmas story offers hope and encouragement toward survival, hope of new life linked to something—someone—greater than oneself. One of Jesus’ followers said Jesus’ “name . . . [would] be the hope of all the world.”(3)

So, the Christmas story is important because it has endured and because it speaks of hope and survival.

Reason number three: the Christmas story is . . .

A Story of Peace and Goodwill

Christmas carolers sing of “peace on earth.” Greeting cards extol peace, families desire it, and the news reminds us of its fleeting nature.

I encountered ten-year-old Matt from Nebraska in a southern California restaurant men’s room one afternoon. Alone and forlorn looking, he stood outside the lone stall.

“Could I ask a favor?” inquired the sandy haired youth. “The door to this stall has no lock. Would you watch and be sure that no one comes in on me?” “Sure,” I replied, happy to guard his privacy. Matt noted, “In a lot of nice restaurants the stall doors don’t have locks.” “I know,” I agreed. “You’d think they would.”

After a pause, his high-pitched voice said, “You know what I wish? I wish there could be peace in all the earth and no more arguments or fighting so no one would have to die except by heart attacks.” “That would be great,” I agreed. “How do you think that could happen?” Matt didn’t know.

“It seems that the Prince of Peace could help,” I suggested. “Do you know who that is?” He didn’t. “Well, at Christmas, we talk a lot about Jesus as the Prince of Peace,” I explained.

“Oh, I see,” conceded Matt. “I don’t know about those things because I don’t go to church. Do you know what it’s like to be the only boy in your town who doesn’t go to church? I do.”

“Well, I’m a church member,” I replied, “but really the most important thing is knowing Jesus Christ as your personal friend. When I was eighteen, some friends explained to me that He died and rose again for me and that I could begin a relationship with Him. It made a big difference and gave me a real peace inside. He can also bring peace between people.”

By now, Matt was out washing his hands as his father stuck his head in the door to hurry him along. I gave him a small booklet that explained more. “Thanks,” smiled Matt as he walked out to join his family for lunch.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman in his bestselling book Emotional Intelligence tells of boarding a New York City bus to find a driver whose friendly greeting and positive disposition spread contagious warmth among the initially cold and indifferent passengers. Goleman envisioned a “virus of good feeling” spreading through the city from this “urban peacemaker” whose good will had softened hearts. (4)

The Christmas angel announced to some shepherds, “‘Don’t be afraid! . . . I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (5) A crowd of angels then appeared praising God and proclaiming peace among people of good will. (6)

The Christmas story brings a message of peace that can soothe anxious hearts and calm interpersonal strife.

Reason number four: the Christmas story is . . .

A Story of Family

Christmas is a time for family gatherings. This interaction can bring great joy or great stress. Estrangement or ill will from past conflicts can explode.

Joseph and Mary had their share of family challenges. Consider their circumstances. The historical accounts indicate that Joseph’s fiancée became pregnant though she was a virgin. Mary believed an angel told her she was pregnant by God. Now, how would you feel if your fiancé/fiancée exhibited apparent evidence of sexual activity with someone else during your engagement? Suppose your intended said that God had sanctioned the whole thing. Would your trust and self-esteem take a nosedive? Would you cancel the wedding?

Joseph, described as “a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace . . . [Mary] publicly.”(7) But an angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining that the child was conceived in her by God, and told him to “name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (8) Joseph followed instructions and cared for his family. His continuing commitment to Mary and Jesus played a significant part in the boy’s birth and early childhood. With God’s help, the family overcame major obstacles. And so can your family.

Fifth, the Christmas story is also . . .

A Story of Humility

When kings, presidents, and other rulers appear in public, great pomp often ensues. From a biblical perspective, God came first not as a ruling king but as a servant, a baby born in humble circumstances. His becoming human helps humans identify with Him.

Imagine that you and your child are walking in a field and encounter an ant pile with hundreds of ants scurrying about. In the distance, you see a construction bulldozer approaching. Suppose your child asks how to warn the ants of impending danger. You discuss various possibilities: shouting, holding up signs, etc. But the best solution would be if somehow your child could become an ant and warn them personally. Some ants might not believe the danger. But some might believe and take steps to ensure their safety.

Paul, an early follower of Jesus, wrote of the humility Jesus displayed by becoming human:

Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven (9)

The Christmas story speaks of family and humility. But is it true?(10)

Reason number six why the Christmas story matters: it is . . .

A Story that Was Foretold

Jesus’ followers noted numerous clues to his identity, prophecies written many years before His birth. (11)

The Hebrew writer Micah told around 700 BC of deliverance through a coming Messiah or “Anointed One” from Bethlehem. (12) We know that “. . . Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea . . . .” (13)

Isaiah, writing around 700 BC, foretold that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. He wrote, “The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (14) The name “Immanuel” means “God is with us.” Biblical accounts claim Jesus’ mother was a virgin when she bore Him. (15)

Additional prophecies concern the Messiah’s lineage, betrayal, suffering, execution, and resurrection. Peter Stoner, a California mathematician, once calculated the probability of just eight of the 300 prophecies Jesus fulfilled coming true in one person due to chance alone. Using estimates that both he and classes of college students considered reasonable and conservative, Stoner concluded there was one chance in 10¹⁷ that those eight were fulfilled by fluke.

He says 10¹⁷ silver dollars would cover the state of Texas two feet deep. Mark one coin with red fingernail polish. Stir the whole batch thoroughly. What chance would a blindfolded person have of picking the marked coin on the first try? One in 10¹⁷, the same chance that just eight of the 300 prophecies “just happened” to come true in this man, Jesus. (16)

In a similar vein, consider reason number seven why the original Christmas story matters. It is . . .

A Story that Has Substantial Support

Can we trust the biblical accounts of the Christmas story? Three important points:

1. Eyewitness Testimony. The Gospels—presentations of Jesus’ life—claim to be, or bear evidence of containing, eyewitness accounts. In a courtroom, eyewitness testimony is among the most reliable evidence.
2. Early Date. Dr. William F. Albright, one of the world’s leading archaeologists, dated every book of the New Testament (NT) before about AD 80. (17) There is no known record of NT factual authenticity ever being successfully challenged by a contemporary.
3. Manuscript Evidence. Over 24,000 early manuscript copies of portions of the NT exist today. Concerning manuscript attestation, Sir Frederic Kenyon, director and principle librarian of the British Museum, concluded, “Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established.” (18)

The Christmas story is notable for its enduring messages of hope, peace, goodwill, family and humility. It was foretold by prophets and has substantial manuscript support. But there is another reason for considering the story of Jesus’ birth, perhaps the most important.

Reason number eight: the Christmas story is . . .

A Story of Love

Jesus’ followers taught that His conception and birth were part of a divine plan to bring us genuine peace, inner freedom, and self-respect. They believed the biblical God wants us to enjoy friendship with Him, and meaning and purpose. Alas, our own self-centeredness separates us from Him. Left to our own, we would spend both time and eternity in this spiritually unplugged state.

Jesus came to help plug us into God. Mary’s baby was born to die, paying the penalty for our self-centeredness, which the biblical documents call “sin.” If I had a traffic fine I could not pay, you could offer to pay it for me. When the adult Jesus died on the cross, He carried the penalty due all our sins then rose from the dead to give new life.

Jesus explained, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (19) God can become your friend if you believe in Him, that is, if you trust Him to forgive you. He will never let you down.

Perhaps you are becoming aware of the importance of the Christmas story in your own life. Might you like to receive Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness and place your faith in Him? You can celebrate this Christmas knowing that you are a member of His family. Perhaps you’d like to talk to Him right now. You might want to tell Him something like this:

Jesus Christ, thanks for loving me, for dying for my sins and rising again. Please apply your death as the means of my forgiveness. I accept your pardon. Come and live in me and help me to become your close friend.

If you made that decision to place your trust in Jesus, He has entered your life, forgiven you and given you eternal life. I encourage you to tell another of His followers about your decision and ask them to help you grow in faith. Call this radio station or visit the Web site probe.org to learn more. Read the Bible to discover more about God. Begin with the Gospel of John, the fourth book in the New Testament, which is one of the easier ones to understand. Tell God what is on your heart, and tell others about the discovery you’ve made so they can know Him too.

Christmas is meant to celebrate peace and joy. Amidst the busyness of shopping, parties, presents, and fun, remember that the Prince of Peace came to spread peace and joy to all who believe in Him.

Notes

1. Details of the Christmas story are in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1:18-2:23.
2. Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1973 printing of the 1883 original), i:372.
3. Matthew 12:21 NLT.
4. Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence (New York: Bantam Books, 1997), ix-x.
5. Luke 2:10-11 NLT.
6. Luke 2:13-14 NASB.
7. Matthew 1:19 NLT.
8. Matthew 1:21 NLT.
9. Philippians 2:6-9 NLT.
10. For more on evidence for Jesus, see www.WhoIsJesus-Really.com and www.probe.org.
11. For a summary of prophecies Jesus fulfilled, see Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict (San Bernardino, CA: Here’s Life Publishers, 1979), 141-177.
12. Micah 5:2.
13. Matthew 2:1 NASB.
14. Isaiah 7:14 NIV.
15. Matthew 1:18, 22-25; Luke 1:27, 34.
16. Peter W. Stoner, Science Speaks (Chicago: Moody Press, 1969), 99-112.
17. McDowell, op. cit., 62-63.
18. Frederic G. Kenyon, The Bible and Archaeology (New York: Harper & Row, 1940), 288; in McDowell, op. cit., 41. McDowell develops these points in pp. 39-41 ff.
19. John 3:16 NLT.

About the Author

Rusty Wright, associate speaker and writer with Probe Ministries, is an international lecturer, award-winning author, and journalist who has spoken on six continents. He holds Bachelor of Science (psychology) and Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively. He can be reached at RustyWright@aol.com

Her faith felt weak as she faced this new challenge. Her husband lost his job and it was just before Christmas. Inwardly shaky yet outwardly strong she said all the right and reassuring things. She only wished she could believe them.

Faith is easy when the way is well lit. Yet when you walk in the dim light of struggles, faith must be a decision. God knows we will sometimes feel shaky in our faith.  He puts promises in His Word to become a lifeline in those “rock your world” moments that surprise all of us at times.

If you are in one of those times right now then know this, “GOD IS ABLE”! Listen to the promise of His Word to you, His child…

“And GOD IS ABLE
to make all grace abound (overflow!) to you
so that in all things
at all times
having all that you need
you WILL abound (overflow) in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV).

Take your eyes off of your circumstance right now just for a moment. Turn your focus to this verse and say out loud, “God is able!”.

He can give you what you need as you face your particular challenge. His grace will extend to your emotions too so that you will be able to overflow even to the point of touching others.  This is more than just surviving; more than simply getting by… this is tapping into the divine help and strength of our God who is able!

Choose to have faith in His desire and ability to help you. Determine to trust Him today. Ask Him to increase your faith. Write “GOD IS ABLE” on a scrap of paper and put it on your computer screen, your mirror or the dash of your car. Look for His grace to be extended to you in your circumstances and in your emotions.

As you focus on God, rather than on your current challenge, you will be made new in the attitude of your mind. (Ephesians 4:23, NIV)

Father God,
You alone know how shaky I feel on the inside. I ask You today to strengthen my faith. Help me to focus on You, my God who is able. Give me an expectant heart and an attitude of true confidence that You will be all I need.
In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

Questions: What challenge are you facing today? How are you handling it? What are God’s promises to you in regards to facing your difficulties?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

#1)  Avatar ($75 million)
#2)  Sherlock Holmes ($65.4 million)
#3)  Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel ($50.2 million)
#4)  It’s Complicated ($22.1 million)
#5)  Up in the Air ($11.8 million)
(Source: MTV News)

Although Christmas day is a popular day for moveigoers, I always felt a little bad for the people who were forced to work at the theaters on Christmas, even though they would usually get time-and-a-half pay … regardless, both Avatar and Sherlock Holmes are definitely on my list of movies to see in early 2010!

Did you see any of these movies this Christmas? Did any of them capture any of the Christmas spirit? What about more traditional Christmas movies, like It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, or A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Related:
The Da Vinci Code Blog – Our blog addressing one of the biggest books/movies of the decade.
Post-Holiday Depression – Are you disappointed, burned out, or just looking for a kind listener to talk with after the holidays? Contact us today.

Luke 2:1-20: The Birth of Jesus

¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register.

⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

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

¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Continue reading at BibleGateway.com

Question: What stands out most to you about Jesus’ birth narrative? Praise God today for the birth of Jesus, the Son of God!

Feeling alone this Christmas? Need someone to talk to? Need someone to listen? We’re here.

The Advent season is upon us once again. It comes more quickly each year. I know, I’m just getting old!  Since we’ll soon hear the amazing story of Jesus’ birth being told from countless pulpits and since biblical names always have a significance, let’s look into the meaning of Jesus’ name.

In the Old Testament, God’s name and His presence were virtually synonymous, which was evidenced in His name Jehovah-shammah, meaning the Lord is present or the Lord is there.

Jehovah-shammah, dwelling on the throne of heaven, sent His Son to earth to be born in another form, to live personally with His people. His name? “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV)

In the New Testament, Jesus was Jehovah-shammah, as Matthew, quoting prophecy, said of His name, “‘They shall call His name Immanuel,’ translated as, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23b, NKJV)

When Jesus came to be with us, He threw off His robe of celestial royalty and dressed Himself in a tiny, pink suit of humanity.  From the birth-manger to the death-tomb, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14 NKJV) The original Greek says that Jesus “tabernacled” among us, which means to pitch one’s tent, to dwell in safety and security under its cover and protection.

That Divine Flesh was known by the name of Jesus, which the Word tells us is a “more excellent name” (Hebrews 1:4) and the “name which is above every other name,” (Philippians 2:9b TLB) and to which “every knee shall bow.” (Romans 14:11)

Calling on that precious name has opened the portals of heaven and shut the gates of hell.  It brings salvation to lost souls, turns away tornadoes, heals people of cancer, and gives the lame the ability to walk.  Dependence on that name is essential.

The last thing Jesus said to His disciples was, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember that He was birthed in obedience that He might die to be with us forever.

As Immanuel stood before Pilate, he asked, “What then am I to do with Jesus?” (Matthew 27:22, Phillips) What, then, do you do with this Jesus? Do you know that Jehovah-shammah Immanuel is with you … always?

Prayer: Lord, Thank You that You came to earth as a babe of certain death to bring us Your salvation. I pray that every person reading this will have a new awareness of Your eternal presence in their lives as they celebrate this season of Your birth. Amen!

Questions: Give some concrete reasons why you know that God is with you. Why do bad things happen? Is God still there even in the bad situations? How do you know?

About the Author Lynn Mosher

As a kid, I rarely slept on Christmas Eve. Filled with anticipation over the gifts under the tree, I would repeatedly wake up my parents and ask “Is it time yet?”

The first Christmas was perfectly timed by God, happening just when He wanted it. Galatians 4:4 says, “When the right time came, God sent His son…”

What time is Christmas this year? You find the answer in four statements the angel said to the shepherds at the first Christmas (Luke 2:10-14)

1. It’s time to release your fears! The first thing the angel said was, “Do not be afraid!” Fear is your greatest barrier to knowing God and fulfilling his purposes for your life. Fear is a self-imposed prison that keeps you from living the life God intends for you. So whatever you are afraid of – Christmas is the time to let it go. The Bible contains 365 “Fear nots” – one for every day of the year! It’s time to stop worrying and start worshiping. Stop tensing up and start trusting God.

2. It’s time to renew your faith! Next, the angel said “I bring you good news with great joy, and it is for everyone!” The Good News of Jesus keeps getting better because the bad news of the world keeps getting worse. The Good News is that God loves you, he created you for a purpose, you can know God personally by trusting in Jesus, and he wants you to spend eternity with him. God has really long range plans for your life! Christmas is time to come back to God.

3. It’s time to receive forgiveness! Next the angel said, “Today a Savior has been born for you; He is Christ the Lord!” If our greatest need was education, God would have sent a teacher. If our greatest need was health, he would have sent a doctor. If our greatest need was financial, he would have sent an economist. But our greatest need is forgiveness, so God sent a Savior. It doesn’t matter what wrong you’ve done, Jesus paid for it on the cross. Accept his forgiveness.

4. It’s time to rebuild relationships! Finally the angel said, “Peace on earth, and goodwill to all people.” Once you’ve accepted God’s forgiveness, He wants you to forgive everyone else. Who do you need to offer forgiveness to this Christmas? It’s time to make peace!

Question: How can you seek to renew your faith during this Christmas season?

About this Author: Rick Warren

The basics of the cartoon were laid out within a few hours. It would include ice-skating; a pageant (Mendelson and Schulz had both flubbed parts in school shows); a mix of Christmas carols and Guaraldi’s contemporary jazz; and the message that Christmas is really about the joyful miracle of Jesus’s birth.

However, Hartman notes that “Television executives hated it from the start.” After all, one of it’s most famous scenes quotes directly from the KJV Bible. They were scared that the show was “too religious”, even in 1965.

Despite the challenges, Charles Schultz was committed to telling the real Christmas story and giving a proper Christmas message. He held tightly to his Christian beliefs and fought to keep the show true to his vision. His perseverance resulted in the special being watched by 15 million people during its first airing and millions every year since, as well as being honored with both an Emmy and a Peabody award.

Do you have memories of watching this Christmas special? How can we we encourage our friends to watch the show not just as a cultural phenomenon, but as a pointer to deeper truths?

Related:
A link to share with seeking friends this Christmas: The Real Christmas Story
Get past the unnecessary: How to Break with Tradition

Feature image credit: Great Beyond, used under Creative Commons license

Is your world coming to an end? Is there life after divorce? We want to pray with you.

“Peace on earth, goodwill toward men” As the Christmas carols waft through the air and you find yourself singing along, but a nagging in the back of your mind whispers – it isn’t true.  There is no peace on earth.

Among your friends, perhaps within your own family, couples are splitting apart, marriages of more than twenty years are disintegrating, siblings aren’t speaking to one another.  Children are walking away from God.  How do we find this peace that everyone is singing about?

Thousands of years ago, in the land of Israel, the Sons of Korah wrote a psalm that gives insight into that question.  Their days were also filled with turmoil, but they refused to give into fear. In Psalm 46 they include a phrase as if from the very mouth of the Almighty.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)

I believe peace comes not from family unity, financial security or a large military. Real peace comes from knowing that God is the Lord of Heaven and Earth. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere-present AND He loves us.  Because God is both powerful and loving, we can rest secure in spite of events that are beyond our control or understanding.

Jesus reiterated that message. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).

Paul also instructed us to look to God for the peace we seek. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7, NIV).

Thank you, Holy God, for revealing Yourself to us. Show me how to be still, to acknowledge that You are Lord and to find peace in You.  Amen.

Questions: When have you experienced the peace that transcends understanding? Why is it important to be still?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

“Peace on earth, goodwill toward men” As the Christmas carols waft through the air and you find yourself singing along, but a nagging in the back of your mind whispers – it isn’t true.  There is no peace on earth.

Among your friends, perhaps within your own family, couples are splitting apart, marriages of more than twenty years are disintegrating, siblings aren’t speaking to one another.  Children are walking away from God.  How do we find this peace that everyone is singing about?

Thousands of years ago, in the land of Israel, the Sons of Korah wrote a psalm that gives insight into that question.  Their days were also filled with turmoil, but they refused to give into fear. In Psalm 46 they include a phrase as if from the very mouth of the Almighty.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

I believe peace comes not from family unity, financial security or a large military. Real peace comes from knowing that God is the Lord of Heaven and Earth. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere-present AND He loves us.  Because God is both powerful and loving, we can rest secure in spite of events that are beyond our control or understanding.

Jesus reiterated that message. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Paul also instructed us to look to God for the peace we seek. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Thank you, Holy God, for revealing Yourself to us. Show me how to be still, to acknowledge that You are Lord and to find peace in You.  Amen.

Questions: When have you experienced the peace that transcends understanding? Why is it important to be still?

About this Author: Suzanne Benner

“The revelation awaits an appointed time … though it linger, wait for it;  it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3

In these weeks before Christmas, we are tired. Church and community activities wear on us instead of energize. Canned music assaults our ears as we navigate crowded store aisles; its original intention to bless has turned into annoyance. The unstoppable energy of children no longer delights. We know we should re-focus, yet our brains and bodies fight against our spirits.

It is time to look more closely at this God who comes, time to pause and re-examine the character of the one who came once as a Baby and will one day come as a King.

Hail to the Lord’s anointed,
Great David’s greater Son!
Hail in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun!
(by James Montgomery, 1784)

Our worlds seem to be coming apart at the seams. People starve, bombs fall, jobs are lost, families deteriorate. Expectations crash like the clattering of broken pottery. There is no better time to reaffirm our faith in the one anointed as “great David’s greater Son.”

Throughout Jesus’ life on earth His friends wanted to step up His timetable. They wanted Him to become the conquering king they thought He should be. In response we read the words “His time had not yet come.” How impatient they were. How impatient we are. We live between the now and not yet. We want His reign to begin now.

Author Diana Ball writes about the appointed time this way:

In His time, in His time,
He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Lord, please show me every day,
As you’re teaching me your way,
That you do just what you say, in your time.

Father, may every Christmas song, every lit candle, every wrapped gift remind me that you are the timeless one, that you can be trusted.

Relfection: Take time as you read these words to sit quietly and think about the unhurried Savior, to pattern your life – even in these busy pre-Christmas days – after Him.

About this Author: Marilyn Ehle