Advent 2024
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give I to you” (John 14:27a).
My small, simple soul longs for peace.
I tend to absorb the emotions of those around me, so when I am surrounded by strife and conflict it leaves me unsettled and uncertain. That can make it challenging to navigate the world around me.
This time of year, peace can feel particularly elusive, both on a personal and societal level. The holidays can magnify internal family differences, and headlines of violence feel a stark contrast to the joy we seek.
We need a peace that is not dependent upon the world.
Thankfully, when our faith is in Jesus, we receive the promise not only of His salvation, but of His peace. Jesus Himself declared, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give I to you” (John 14:27a).
In Him, we have access to a peace that is beyond human understanding. (Philippians 4:7) A soul-deep peace even in the midst of trials.
We have peace between ourselves and God. (Romans 5:1)
And with the help of the Holy Spirit, we ourselves become a source of God’s peace for those He places in our paths. (Galatians 5:22).
I pray this holiday season that you may realize what an incredible gift our Savior has given us. Jesus, the Prince of Peace Himself (Isiah 9:6), has given us His peace.
May that beautiful truth fall gently on our souls this Christmas.
Until next time,
Shelby
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