Jesus brings us true peace.

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Many melodramas and silent films had a story line that involved a beautiful young maiden, usually the daughter of the richest man in town, who was kidnapped for ransom by the most evil man in town, who often wore a top hat and a menacing mustache. Even if the ransom was paid, the evil man tied the young maiden to the railroad tracks. Of course, an oncoming train threatened to be her demise. Just in time, the most handsome and brave man in town becomes her hero as he rescues her and sweeps her away to a happily ever after.

Don’t we often feel tied to the tracks by our own mind? It’s hard to have peace when we worry about our future, fret over critical decisions, struggle over a loved ones’ life choices, or are frightened for our safety. There seems to be no escape from the fear that ties us to the railroad tracks.

It’s hard to get rid of fear. It takes a total surrender of all that ties us down. That surrender doesn’t come easily. We fight wars within ourselves and with God until we learn to surrender to Him.

Thankfully, we have a Savior who fought for us to give us His peace. Jesus loved us so much that He left His kingly throne and came as a baby into a chaotic world of violence, hate, and need. He surrendered to the will of His father so we could ask for – and receive – a peace so unimaginable that it far surpasses any fear we will ever know. He will return in His perfect time to sweep us into His arms, to live with Him happily ever after.

Pray for that peace to fill your heart this Christmas. It will be the best present you’ll ever receive.

“You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in you,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always,
    for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 New Living Translation

Text and photo copyright Desiree Bustamante