Can we have true peace?

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“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…”
Isaiah 9:2a

Violence, ignorance, corruption, betrayal, lies, hatred, and every sin conceivable darken our world and our lives.  The shadow of sin falls upon every heart and we have lost our way.  Is there anyone who can lead us out of this darkness?  Can we have peace in such a dark world?

And in the midst of this dark world, we light our fourth Advent candle, the candle of Peace.  In the face of darkness we proclaim the Prince of Peace, the Light of the nations, the glory of His people Israel!

Only our Lord Jesus Christ can bring true peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, the peace that gives us light in the face of sin, darkness, and death.  Frightening as darkness can be, there is no fear when I hold a light in my hand.  And when the Light of His star fills the night sky, all fear is driven away and true peace on earth has come.

This is not a false peace, a temporary cease fire, a short cessation of hostilities.  This is the peace through the blood of God’s Son that has put an end to the enmity between sinners and God.  God has brought about true peace through the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ.  God has ended the conflict I have with him and this gives me true peace inside of me and with others around me.

Can there be peace in the darkness?  Yes, for the Light of the World has come.

“How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming; but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.”

Picture and Text Copyright Steve Nickodemus