For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. — Isaiah 9:5
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Peace is quite elusive. This was as true in the times of the Old and NewTestaments as it is today. This is because war and peace start in the heart, and the conditions of our hearts have personal and global implications.
In the Old Testament, despite God's grace, mercy, love, and provision, Israel was frequently at war with God and with their neighbors. In the midst of this cycle of sin and repentance, rebellion and restoration, darkness and light, Isaiah prophesied a coming Prince of Peace, who would establish everlasting peace throughout the world.
Approximately 700 years later, this RedeemerGod was born as a man, announced by a multitude of the heavenly host saying, "... 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased."' (Luke 2:14)
The peace Jesus brought was unexpected and completely disrupted the status quo.
The peace Jesus brought was unexpected and completely disrupted the status quo. His peace is true and transformative. That's because Jesus, the Word, is"... sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) He performs surgery on our hearts that leads to peace with God and peace with others.
This Advent season, ask yourself, "What are the personal and global implications of my heart condition? Does the condition of my heart bring war or peace within me?"
Peace with God in your heart can spread to bring peace in your family, peace in your church, peace in your community, and peace in your state, nation, and world.
Peace with God in your heart can spread to bring peace in your family, peace in your church, peace in your community, and peace in your state, nation, and world. Jesus' peace"... surpasses all understanding ..." (Philippians 4:7). Go beyond your internal peace and also live for the external peace promised inIsaiah 2:4, "He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."
Throughout the coming Christmas season, reflect on these words from"Hark the Herald AngelsSing," written by Charles Wesley. May they bring joy to your heart and may you reflect their truth in everything you do. Glory to the newborn King: peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!
Merry Christmas!
Liturgy
Father,
As we celebrate this season
and the birth of your blessed son,
we reflect on the beauty
of your amazing love.
From the beginning of time
you have remained steadfast
and filled with grace
despite our undeserving ways.
You have promised us eternal life
greater than we can imagine,
forgiveness that will end all sorrow and doubt.
Guide our weary hearts
and restore our souls to you
so that we honor your name above all others.
Lord, we long for your embrace.
We pray for the day we enter heaven's gates
and find everlasting peace with you.
In Christ's name we pray,
Amen