The Peace of Christ
Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
Who doesn’t want to experience more peace in their lives – peace within our families, peace at work or school, peace in our country and our world? But it can seem like peace is in short supply.
Last week I was talking with a friend who shared feeling stressed in many ways. she described strife in family relationships. She had a family member in the hospital the week before and a team of doctors took a long time to determine the best way to provide care and treat the problem. My friend pronounced with great frustration, “They are all quacks!” Finally she shared how worried she is for his grandchildren, growing up in a world so full of violence.
One of the wonderful names of Jesus is Prince of Peace. Jesus came to give us His peace. It is a peace that transcends even the most difficult circumstances. We have peace of mind and heart knowing the Christ loves us and nothing can separate us from that love. We have peace with God our Father through faith in His Son and His redemptive work on the cross. We have peace within us because the Holy Spirit lives in us with a constant supply of the peace which surpasses all human understanding.
This week in Advent we celebrate the peace that Jesus Christ brings into our lives – may you experience the blessing of His peace, amen.