Where's the Peace?
23-Dec-15
Where’s the peace? A barrage of news feeds perpetually informs us of terrorism at home and abroad, shootings, robberies, tensions between nations and riots within our own. Then we know all too well about strained relationships, failed marriages, broken families and other tragic situations. There’s no shortage of chaos and turmoil on personal or global scales. Is there any hope from potential government solutions? Nope, that only brings more division. But the same cause lies at the root of it all.
Yet this time of year, we often hear about “peace on earth”. This is certainly welcomed at all times, but why did this saying become popular at Christmas? It traces its roots back to ancient times of predictions of one who would come to be the Prince of Peace and would be miraculously born to a virgin in Bethlehem. It was when this divine Prince was born, that angels announced “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2.14 NLT). |
This mysterious figure of prophecy is known as the Messiah (anointed one) which is also translated as the Christ – this divine Prince is the Jesus Christ of Christmas. When He became known, people thought He was going to overthrow oppressive governments and establish societal peace. But He came for something much more meaningful, something much better. He came so that people could have peace with God.
He explained that God loves all people, but all people are at odds with God because of bad things they’ve thought, said and done. To demonstrate His love, this Prince would sacrifice Himself to be punished for our sins and not only bring about forgiveness and peace with God, but also give eternal life to those who believe. Thus, He was falsely accused, horrendously killed by Roman crucifixion and sealed in a tomb. To prove His remarkable claims, this Prince came back to life 3 days later which Christians celebrate at Easter.
At the heart of all human-caused strife in our world is a heart problem found in all humans – it is our corrupted sinful nature. It not only puts us at odds with God, but also with one another. It cannot be overcome by political solutions, intimidated by forced conversion, repressed by religion or mastered by will power. It can only be surrendered to God who will then convert hate to love, regret to hope & brokenness to healing. Our world and our country are fraught with problems; we all have our own too. We need God. We need His peace like never before. We need revival. Will you let the Prince of Peace rule your heart this Christmas?
He explained that God loves all people, but all people are at odds with God because of bad things they’ve thought, said and done. To demonstrate His love, this Prince would sacrifice Himself to be punished for our sins and not only bring about forgiveness and peace with God, but also give eternal life to those who believe. Thus, He was falsely accused, horrendously killed by Roman crucifixion and sealed in a tomb. To prove His remarkable claims, this Prince came back to life 3 days later which Christians celebrate at Easter.
At the heart of all human-caused strife in our world is a heart problem found in all humans – it is our corrupted sinful nature. It not only puts us at odds with God, but also with one another. It cannot be overcome by political solutions, intimidated by forced conversion, repressed by religion or mastered by will power. It can only be surrendered to God who will then convert hate to love, regret to hope & brokenness to healing. Our world and our country are fraught with problems; we all have our own too. We need God. We need His peace like never before. We need revival. Will you let the Prince of Peace rule your heart this Christmas?
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
- Rom 15.13
For in him (Jesus) all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him - Col 1.19-22
Numerous prophecies were made about the Messiah, but the ones most commonly noted at Christmastime are the one's the Prophet Isaiah made about 700 years before Christ was born. To learn more about messianic prophecies, >click here<.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
- Isaiah 7.14
For to us a child is born, |
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