Christmas Time Is Here – How about Peace?

(I wrote this piece and it appeared two weeks ago in the Lompoc Record Newspaper)

As I write this our church sanctuary is being decorated for the most “wonderful time of the year.” But I quickly think of how many people are not going to have the “most wonderful time” this time. Many are overwhelmed with the current state of economics, job status, job security, grocery prices, housing market and a myriad of issues that serve to; if we are not careful, remove any semblance of peace from our hearts. The Christmas season can easily bring heightened stress during a normal season, let alone one deemed by experts to be a “recession.” We must pause and be reminded of the purpose of the season. The Christmas story can be summarized by saying: God’s intention for us is to possess internal peace no matter the season. God does not run from us or from difficulty. The Christmas story takes place while people are in chaos, the economy is unstable and people are looking for an answer to their deepest spiritual needs. Recall if you would these familiar words: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them…and said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord… a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2: 8 – 14) God came right to people, simple hardworking shepherds. He came into their world and ours as well. He comes to us, right where we are. That is Christmas! Accepting the message and believing in the Christ Child opens up our hearts to the receiving of His peace that moves the “weary world to rejoicing.” It was cause for the angelic choir to sing and make connections in two realms at the same moment: Glory to God in the highest place and on the lowest place (earth) peace to men and woman and boys and girls on whom God’s favor rests upon. His favor rests upon those who have opened their heart and life to Him- those with a small amount of faith have said: “I believe.” Even a Christ-follower can push peace away as we drift from faith and obedience and become overwhelmed by situation and circumstance and forget that Jesus, the “prince of peace” and the “peace of God” who came to earth on Christmas. Jesus who like a sentry, stands at our heart and presses against that which is fierce and turbulent. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…you were called to peace.” (Colossians 3:15) His peace keeps you from allowing the outside storms to come inside your heart and sink your life with anxiety and stress. A woman lay dying. A pastor tried to break the news as gently as he could: “They think your time is short.” “Yes,” she said, “I know it.” “Have you made your peace with God?” “No,” she replied, “I haven’t made my peace with God.” The minister did not understand. The woman seemed so peaceful. “What do you mean?” he asked. She said, “Listen! I know I am dying, yet I have no fear of meeting God. I don’t have to make my peace with God for I am resting in the peace which Jesus Christ has already made for me on the Cross – Jesus has become my peace.” He came to earth so He could purchase your salvation and provide you with peace. The peace that the angels announced at Christ’s birth is still available. “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him and allow Him to become your peace. From my heart to yours, I pray that you and our city will have a very Merry Christmas that is filled with Christ’s peace! Go ahead and seek Him.