Theme:   All I Want for Christmas is Peace

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

 Read: Colossians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Isaiah 9:6

Think: "All we're saying, is give peace a chance." That line that John Lennon wrote with the Beatles has been on my mind all day. You know how it is when a song stays in your head, it may be a bit annoying but in this case, it rings true. I’m not a big Beatles fan (I know, what’s wrong with me?) but I have always been a huge fan of music and the messages that are sent through lyrics. In that same way in Scripture, God hammers home the message of peace with us throughout the Bible. Especially the idea that we can live in peace. Sometimeswe fail to listen.. and we don't take advantage of this gift of free will that he has given us.

Remembering that God is in control will ease our need to always have a handle on situations that we are confronted with. I like how Pastor Dave (an awesome and passionate speaker by the way) said that God had the whole Christmas story planned out, there was nothing left to chance and he knew the direction this great story would take us. When Jesus was born, the world changed incredibly. His life here on earth was so impactful and full of the glory that God intended. In Isaiah 9:6 it says, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These words spoken through the prophet Isaiah are some of the most powerful in the Bible. Like a great song, these words stick in my head and when I think of them, it gives me such peace.

For several years, I have been living with a condition of the esophagus called Barrett’s Esophagus, which is pre cancerous and presents itself with the discomfort of severe reflux. Without medication, it is very annoying and hard to live with. It is hard to be content thinking that it may get worse. Just recently, I had my regular checkup, and the results show signs of dysplasia, or one step closer to cancer. This is all just 'a maybe' until I am re-checked, but immediately my mind went to the worst outcome -  a painful and sure death. I’d look at my wife and kids and start to cry as I imagined their future without me in it. Why didn’t I simply rely on Gods peace to help me? When I do, I am content and worry/anxiety is gone.

God has a plan, just as he planned the Christmas story, for my life and it is in his capable hands. I look at 2 Thessalonians3:16 which says, "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all." This does give me peace and when I let go of my own thoughts and turn it over to him, contentment reigns. My God is a mighty, peace giving, wonderful and everlasting one and this gives me strength.

Do: Dwell on God's goodness and his plan for us so that we are at peace with life. Talk with someone who is struggling, reach out to them with a listening ear and let them share with you what is going on with their life and relationship with Jesus. Especially at this time of year know that many have lost loved ones or may be experiencing a sense of loneliness - reach out and ask them to meet you for coffee and to spend a little time together. Get out of yourself and into someone else’s life, it will do wonders for your (and God’s ) peace.

Pray: Lord God, help me to see the need in others and act on it. Help me to be the comfort to those who are having a hard time just as you are for me. Thank you for always being there for me and helping me experience the peace you give your children. I love you Lord, and am grateful for the gift you have given us in your son Jesus. Amen.