Merry Christmas! May a hurting world find peace and healing on this holy day.
The word peace, or versions of the word, is used in all but one New Testament book. It seems the angels had it right when they declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” They were declaring God’s desire for right, harmonious relationships between all people and nations. Peace also describes friendliness, freedom from attack, order, and a sense of rest and contentment. This kind of peace is often hard to find, for individuals and for governments, but the message of Christmas reminds us that Jesus came into the world as the Prince of Peace.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”. ~ John 14:27
A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson:
Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.