Last week I asked the question "So What Do You Want for Christmas?" I responded with the word HOPE. In a world that is broken and where many have fallen into despair and depression, HOPE that comes from God is a necessary first step before we can even begin to consider other items to go on our Christmas gift list. However, once I receive the HOPE that only God can give, I can begin to see what needs to follow on my gift or wish list.
If you saw the movie "Miss Congeniality" starring Sandra Bullock several years ago, you know that the plot unfolds in a national beauty pageant. One of the recurring jokes in the movie is when each contestant is asked what they want most, they should answer "world peace."
Actually, the answer of PEACE (or world peace) is a great answer if we understand the full scope of PEACE and the source of PEACE. Beginning with the concept of scope, what do we mean by world peace. The first thought in our minds would most likely be the cessation of all wars between nations, within nations, and among various rebel or terrorist groups. I was born shortly after the conclusion of WWII. But since then as I grew and became aware of news reports, there has been a constant reporting of war. One might end but in a short period of time, another one or two have begun. Can you imagine how great it would be for wars to cease and people to be able to live in all countries without the fear of missiles, bombs, snipers, and ongoing violence? For most people, that would fulfill their definition of world peace.
But the need for PEACE is not limited to the end of wars. Consider an expansion of the definition to include the end of discrimination toward others, the end of bullying, the restoration of harmony within families so that everyone speaks to and enjoys being together and supporting one another. This might even extend to nations where politicians seek what is best for a nation rather than a special interest group. Could this definition also include you and me who struggle with finding internal peace while faced with the problems of this world?
I realize that the expanding definition of peace moves us into a mindset where we say that it is impossible. You are probably correct if we are only considering our capabilities. The truth is that my wish for PEACE this Christmas is not for what we can do but for what God can do. Here are some statements from the Bible that give us a glimpse into how God can bring PEACE to our lives and to our world.
"The Lord bless you and keep you:
the Lord make His face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you
and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26
"Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it."
Psalm 34:14
"I (Jesus) have said these things to you,
that in Me you may have peace. In the
world you will have tribulation. But
take heart; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God is not a God of confusion
but of peace."
1 Corinthians 14:33
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in
one body. And be thankful."
Colossians 3:15
Basically, all these verses from the Bible remind us that PEACE comes from God and is exemplified through Jesus Christ. Our access to this PEACE is not through hard work but through faith in Jesus Christ. We celebrate His birth in this world this Christmas. God the Son took on human flesh and was fully God and fully man. His life from His first coming to this earth culminates with His death, burial, and resurrection. This Christmas we celebrate His first coming as a baby and anticipate His second coming as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
PEACE for our world and for every aspect of our lives is found only through Jesus Christ. May you find His PEACE this Christmas as you place your faith in Him alone.
Merry Christmas to you and Mary!