Promises, Presence, and Peace
Promise of Jesus in Prophesy – “‘But as for you Bethlehem …, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.'”– Micah 5:2
Redemption through Christ – ” … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
The peace of God – ” ‘Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.’ ” – John 14:27
The source of Peace – ” ‘These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.’ ” – John 16:33
God fulfills his promises. Today’s Old Testament reading foreshadows the coming of Christ. This fulfilled prophecy evolves in to the redemption story. A faithful response is required to receive this gift of grace.
One of my favorite natural scenes to admire is a calm body of water with a reflection of the opposite shore symmetrically visible on the water’s surface. As winter approaches each year, this display often is breathtaking with the colors of fall visible in both regions. The serenity represented in this scene is akin to the peace we can experience through the gift of our Heavenly Father, the promise of redemption and salvation brought through His son, Jesus.
The Christmas season is one in which our attention easily is drawn away from this promise. Hustle and bustle tends to fill our schedules. Let us not lose sight of the supreme gift offered this and every Advent Season – the gift from the Father, God. God offers us peace in the salvation available through His son. Our response is faith and action. With the receipt and acceptance of this perfect gift from God, we experience calm, peace, serenity, hope, promise, meaning, and a careful concern for others in our world.
Prayer:
Most gracious Heavenly Father, thank you the promises you make and fulfill. Thank you for the giving of your Son to humanity. We honor and magnify your greatness as you give us hope and peace through the acceptance of your grace. Your presence in our lives indeed is the very best Christmas present we will ever receive. May our response of joyful obedience be acceptable to you. Amen.
Bill Shultz, Faith Class
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