He Comes to Give Ultimate Peace – December 23, 2022

Regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:3,4,7

He Comes to Give Ultimate Peace

I don’t think the first Christmas was as peaceful as we might picture. It was more of a frantic scramble. The time had come for the baby to be born while Mary and Joseph were far from home. They scrambled to find a place to give birth, but there was no room in the inn. So she placed him in a manger, a feeding trough. She must have given birth among the animals. Maybe in a stable.

It was into this world that seriously lacks true peace our Savior has come. He came to bring peace. Maybe we question that at times. Life so often still seems like a frantic scramble. The world around us still lacks real and lasting peace. What we see is division, violence, and war. Where is this peace?

We see it in a manger. Peace came to earth because Jesus Christ came to earth. Peace between God and you. Peace declared from heaven, “We’re not at odds anymore. Your sins are forgiven. I don’t hold anything against you. We are at peace!”

Let’s marvel at the manger this Christmas, but let’s make sure we see more than just a cute baby. The baby is truly a man, born of Mary. He’s also truly God who came into the world to bring real and lasting peace. He grew up and lived a perfect life as your stand-in. His perfect life brings you peace with God. That baby became a grown man and was nailed to the cross with all your sins. His death brings peace between you and God.

And how do you know he’s really God? He proved it by rising form the dead. The empty tomb is proof that his promises are not empty. It proves he’s really God and that you have true peace with God. Grace and peace to you from God, our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
Come Lord Jesus and fill my heart with a peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.