A Season of Peace

The Christmas account in Luke begins with Zachariah in the temple, being told by an angel he would have a son, who was the one foretold to prepare the way for the Savior. There is much we could look at in that conversation alone, but as I thought this week about the coming of Christ in terms of the peace He brings, I was reminded of Zachariah’s words to the infant John in Luke 1:48-49:

“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The “way of peace” in its most basic form is the gospel. Jesus Himself gave us the clearest statement of His purpose in coming:

”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Christmas is a season of peace first and foremost because Christ came to purchase peace with God for us. Notice what the angels said to the shepherds:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

A quick review of history from that day to this will show that the peace on earth was not political, but personal. Jesus Christ chose to step into time, into flesh, leaving the glories and perfections of heaven to live as one of us—all for the sake of purchasing our redemption by paying for your sin and mine. 1 Corinthians 5:21 puts it this way:

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

The peace purchased by Christ when He bore our sin on the cross is more than enough cause to celebrate, but there is another aspect of the peace that was offered by Christ’s payment for our sin: that is the peace of God. Look at what Jesus said in John 14:

“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” vv.25-27

Because Christ chose to come to earth, we have access to His own peace through the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 lists peace as one facet of the fruit of the Spirit, a direct result of God’s working in and through us.

Christmas is a celebration of the coming of Christ to earth to purchase our peace with God and to make a way for us to enjoy the peace of God throughout our everyday life. But what if we don’t feel very peaceful? Lack of peace for the Christian is a bit like the “check engine” light on a car. It is an indicator that something isn’t quite right in our relationship with God. It could be that there is some sin between us and God, or that we have simply gotten too busy and the noise of life has drowned out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.

In either case, the answer is to take some time alone with God.

I understand that life can be busy—especially during a season of celebration like this one, but it is always worth taking time to get in tune with your Savior. That will look different for each person: maybe it will mean getting up a few minutes early to have more time in the morning before others are awake, or setting a timer for a short time in the middle of the day to just be still before the Lord. It may mean pausing briefly at the sink while doing dishes, or just carrying on a conversation with the Lord throughout the day. Whatever it takes for you to keep close to the God of peace this Christmas season, it is well worth the effort!

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Hebrews 13:20-21