by Desiree Bustamante

Jesus gives us His gift of peace.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Luke 1:77-79 New Living Translation

At Christmastime there seems to be additional emphasis on peace. Ornaments are engraved with it, Christmas card verses mention “Peace on Earth,” carols contain hopeful phrases of peace. Yet we don’t seem to see much peace around us, and sometimes we struggle to find peace within us.

Jesus was born in a time without much peace. The Jews were ruled with a tight grip by Rome through a corrupt King Herod whom they detested, taxes were excessive, pagan temples and religious sects invaded their region. Many Jews did not think His coming was imminent, but others were expectantly awaiting the Messiah’s arrival. They were hoping He would bring them peace.

Jesus did bring peace, even though it was not the kind of peace Israel hoped for. His peace has lived through many faithful generations and, though it’s beyond our understanding, peace floods our entire being.

The birth of Christ made it possible for us to discover true peace no matter what happens in the world or in our lives. God left us with the greatest gift, the Prince of Peace, and Jesus gives us His gift:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:28 New Living Translation

Relationship with Christ is the path to true peace. And the good news is that it’s always yours, forever.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado