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Peace on Earth

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.  Isaiah 9:6-7

In 1914, during World War 1, something amazing happened. The German, French, and British soldiers had been fighting in the trenches for months. However, on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, soldiers from all sides called a truce. This was not a decision from the generals, but rather the soldiers themselves. Many ventured into the “no man’s zone” between the trenches to wish each other Merry Christmas. They exchanged food and souvenirs. There were joint burial services and prisoner exchanges. Many of the meetings ended with the singing of Christmas carols.

Of course, the peace didn’t last. Soon after, the troops returned to their trenches and the war resumed. Peace on earth can be a fragile thing. Jesus, however, is the Prince of Peace.

Jesus brings a peace that is different from the world’s peace. His peace is found in forgiveness and grace. He gives us peace with God and that peace then extends between us as we forgive each other because Jesus has forgiven us.

Jesus peace is beyond our understanding. It’s the peace the looks at the situation around us and still trusts that God is with us and will carry us through, even through death. And His peace will have no end.

When Christ returns, we will enter into a time with no war, no death, no tears, and no sorrow. Sin will be no more and we will live in peace both with God and with each other for all eternity with Christ as our ruler.

Dear Jesus,
You are the Prince of Peace.  You have brought us peace with the Father through Your forgiveness.  You have told us to cast our troubles upon you and then promised to give us Your peace.  Today, I lift up these concerns…
 
(take a few minutes to tell the Lord of your concerns and troubles and then continue).
 
Lord, please give me Your peace, the peace that is beyond my understanding; and help me to rest in You.
 
Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt