When you simplify what Christmas is about, Immanuel, “God with us”, we begin to see the gift of God’s love for us. We begin to know the hope that we have in His rescue plan, reconciling the world to himself through Jesus. For the remainder of this week, I would encourage you to focus on experiencing the peace of God, “which transcends all understanding [and] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we start to experience this peace of God in our heart, the hope of reconciliation will spill out into our relationships, community and world.
The angels announced peace to the shepherds on that first Christmas and we have the privilege to see what Christ accomplished in His death and resurrection. Reconciliation and peace are realities for us as we wait for the returning Prince of Peace. What a gift we have in Jesus!
Read the verses below and meditate on what we were really given with the birth of Christ - Immanuel.
Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us…….. 10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (NIV 1984)
Col. 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Rom. 15: 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Cor. 5:18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly 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.”
No comments:
Post a Comment