Today is the third Sunday of Advent. The theme is PEACE, representing both the birth of the Prince of Peace and the PEACE that His coming gives to all His followers. His coming did not bring the peace that the world was seeking for. According to His own words, His coming brought "a sword". (Matthew 10:34) This was His prophetic word, that the truth He was proclaiming would not bring universal peace, but conflict. Throughout the centuries His person and message have been controversial, just as they are today. Jesus has been and is the greatest dividing force in the world. He knew that He was going to be the source of ridicule, rejection, and rebellion. He knew that most people would never accept Him for who He was, yet He came to seek and save those who would not accept Him.
The Message of the Shepherds
On that night so long ago, the shepherds had finally bedded down their sheep, and had gathered together to discuss the day's events, and maybe to plan where they would move their sheep the next day to find greener pastures. Everything was dark and still. Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, angels from heaven burst forth with a glorious message, proclaiming "good tidings of great joy to all people!" The peaceful night was shattered as the glory of heaven shone around these lowly shepherds—the lowlife of that culture.
No wonder the angels had to calm the fear of the shepherds. I might still be running if it had been me on that hillside that night—either that, or I might have been frozen in fear! Have you ever considered what your response might have been to such a heavenly visitation?
The Promise of PEACE
The message of the angels included a promise of PEACE on earth and goodwill to mankind. This promise was prophetic. While they proclaimed the coming of the Prince of Peace, true "Peace on earth" would only come when Jesus would set up His future Kingdom here on earth. That's the HOPE and JOY of every believer! Meanwhile, we must remain faithful in our walk with God in these "last of the last days."
Peace Beyond Understanding
And so, as we approach Christmas Day, we continue to celebrate the anticipation (HOPE) of Jesus' return. We celebrate the JOY of that message, and that message gives us PEACE of heart and soul. It is a PEACE between man and his Creator. It is PEACE that is beyond the understanding of ordinary people.
Let us not forget that the baby born in Bethlehem's manger was more than just a baby. Many people will worship a baby during the Christmas holiday, but the baby became a man, having come into this world for a purpose: "to seek and to SAVE those that are lost."
Jesus has come and given the world His PEACE—at least to those who will accept Him as Lord and Savior. When we accept Him into our lives, it is then that we will know what real PEACE is all about!
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