Luke 2:14. ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’
Then it was only 5… and it’s also our lazy-day Saturday! Glory be! Actually friends, it’s only four shopping and preparation days to Christmas, since the fifth day is Christmas Day. (smile) And I know all around the world the merriment and gladness is ramping up as the day draws nearer, but let’s not forget the reason for it all; the wonderful birth of Christ Jesus, some two thousand years ago.
That was the beginning of God’s great plan of salvation and forgiveness for His human creation. And just for the very idea that God thought so highly of us, or LOVED us so much to discombobulate Himself and break His own heart, to provide reconciliation and righteousness to mankind, ought to give us an attitude of immense thanks and gratitude. Anyway, before we get into whatever we have to do today, let’s offer up some thanks and praise in the form of our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer.
So, in sincere and heartfelt voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’
And if we were truly sincere, then in a moment’s time we’ll feel the Lord’s Spirit drawing us closer to Him, producing a gentle but refreshing calm and peace. And there’s nothing we can desire and require more in these turbulent and ungodly times than a touch of God’s peace and calm. For, remember what the Bible says about it? Jesus made two most encouraging statements about it. The first one says: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27)
And if that did not touch your heart, enough to bring you peace, then listen to this other statement from Jesus: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) And yes, it’s ofttimes difficult to actually find peace in this tumultuous world, but Jesus is the best hope we have for doing so. Why?
Listen to Bruh Paul as he spells it out in his letter to the Philippians. ‘Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation (gentleness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:4-7)
Now all of that simply means that if we live sincerely for Christ, or as He quite clearly said: ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments;’ (John 14:15) then we will be able to access the peace of God, which passes all human understanding and stand strong and steadfast in faith, regardless of our circumstances. But we have to do the things required of us, before we can acquire God’s peace.
And I like how this commentary puts it. ‘ The peace that transcends all understanding comes from knowing that no matter what life throws at us, we can still have joy when we know that our victory lies in Jesus Christ and not in our circumstances.’ There you go my faithful brethren! True peace only comes from knowing Jesus and sincerely living for Him!
And furthermore, this Christmas season is supposed to be one of joy and peace, for remember the night Christ was born and the angels came to earth in their multitude to serenade the occasion and bring the good news to mankind? The first people they gave the good news to were some lowly shepherds, looking after their flocks by night. And how did they end their words of greeting? ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:14)
Yes my people, heaven’s intention was that Christ’s birth would bring some peace and joy to mankind down here on earth. Unfortunately though, it has not done much of that, for down through the ages, mankind has become ever more warlike and blood thirsty. But nonetheless, Jesus expects those of us who sincerely believe and try our best, to make some small improvements in the world, even if it’s our own families or neighbourhoods. And sadly, even that, many of us are not doing, for there’s much more strife in families, churches and neighbourhoods than is necessary.
So what’s the answer eh? Just continue being our best; sincerely doing our best for Christ in whatever way we can. For that’s all He really expects of us. And on this Saturday before Christmas, when our world is in such turmoil and ungodliness, I plead with us, as believers in Christ, to come together and make a strong push for Jesus, for that’s the only way, we will ever bring some semblance of true joy and peace to the earth. We pray it in Jesus’ name! Amen! Much LOVE!
…true joy and peace…don’t come without…the sincere involvement of Jesus…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
SCRIP-BITS 