"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
I don't think anyone would use the word "peace" to describe our world right now.
Instead of peace, most of us are experiencing instability, fear, loss, worry, or division. It's easy to be overwhelmed by all of this, and for "peace" to be the last thing you're thinking about.
This isn't all that different from 2,000 years ago, when Jesus arrived on the scene. Bethlehem wasn't a quiet, peaceful town where all was calm and bright. No, just a 5 mile walk from Jerusalem, this whole region was caught up in political turmoil, cultural division, and economic instability. "Peace" would have been the last thing on the shepherds' minds as well.
And yet, the beauty of this Christmas season is that God shows up. Just as it was to the shepherds, Jesus' birth is a good news reminder that our God is not content to stay away and let us wallow in our chaos, He steps into the mess, into our real world, and brings real peace.
Real peace, the Hebrew word "Shalom", is so much more than just lack of conflict. Real peace is when things are made right. This is His promise, to bring real peace to you, "on whom his favor rests". God doesn't just want to make things easy in your life, He wants to make things right. So, how does He bring peace on Earth? He brings peace on Earth by making peace in you. And then making peace through you.
So, during this Advent season, take a moment to ask these two important questions:
What peace do you need from God during this season? What peace does God want to bring through you during this season?
As you ask these questions, be prepared to see the powerful, peacemaking work God will do in you and through you in the days ahead.
Peace to you,
The Lake Forest Staff Team
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