And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace Micah 5:4-5
Jesus is your peace. The Messiah was born in the tiny, insignificant city of Bethlehem. Only a few people were aware of his birth and it would be 30 years before the good news would be preached. The Jewish nation was oppressed by the government and spiritually weakened by the teaching and example of the Pharisees. But the baby born in the manger, their Messiah, was coming to bring them peace. His greatness would reach to the ends of the earth.
The Jewish nation looked forward to the day their Messiah would save them. They were ready for a peaceful life. But the peace of Christmas isn’t the peace of this world, it is the peace necessary for this world. The peace of Christ is the peace that “passes all understanding.” The peace of Christ isn’t of this world, it is for this world.
This time of year we sing of peace on earth and good will to men. But very few people, if they were honest, would describe the Christmas holidays as “peaceful.” Actually, the Christmas holiday is a great time to understand what Micah meant when he said, “He will be their peace.“
Peace isn’t the absence of stress, it is the ability to overcome stress. Peace isn’t the absence of problems, it is the ability to experience God’s guidance in the midst of problems. The peace of Christmas isn’t eliminating the holiday, it is using the holiday to remember the Lord. Micah didn’t say Jesus came to bring you peace, he said Jesus came to be your peace.
Whatever you have planned for today, stop and offer every minute to your Messiah. As you go through your day, allow the decorations, the laughter and the chaos to send you to the manger and the baby inside. Look forward to your day, especially the moments you will kneel next to Jesus and realize, He is your peace.
Seeds of Optimism: The Biology of Hope
- You are a masterpiece of creation.
- Each human being on earth has equal rights to fulfill his or her own potential.
- You are an uncut gemstone of priceless value. Cut and polish your potential with knowledge, skills and service and you will be in great demand throughout your life.
- View stumbling blocks as stepping stones to the stars.
- Optimism creates energy and is contagious.
Excerpts from The Seeds of Greatness Treasury by Denis Waitley
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