As we read in Luke 2:13-14, the birth of Jesus into the world was the beginning of a movement toward peace on earth:
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.”
The peace we have
That peace has not yet fully arrived: it is part of the now-but-not-yet of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom has come, but not yet in all of its fullness. How can we live now in a state of peace on earth, goodwill towards men, and as a people of God manifesting the peace of the Kingdom of God to others? How can we serve as the hands, feet and voice of Jesus to make his peace more real and visible to those around us?
How can we live now in a state of peace on earth, goodwill towards men, and as a people of God manifesting the peace of the Kingdom of God to others? Click To TweetChange the focus
2020 has been a year of thinking of all the things we can’t do. But we need to turn that around and think about what we can do. In many cases, we cannot change our circumstances, but we can choose a non-anxious response, practicing gratitude for what we do have. Every significant celebration we had planned this year has been ambushed, from birthdays, to holidays, to trips, to anniversaries. Yet we can choose to make the best of it. Possibly we can’t go to a hotel or a restaurant, but we can take a scenic drive or take a walk or have a picnic with someone in our household.
2020 has been a year of thinking of all the things we can’t do. But we need to turn that around and think about what we can do. Click To TweetPeace in Christmas 2020
This Christmas, we may not be able to celebrate in the ways we usually celebrate. But what can we do? How can we celebrate the coming of our savior to earth, incarnate, to experience life as we experience life—with all of its ups and downs and hopes and disappointments?
The Apostle Paul understood—writing as he did from under house arrest—the secret of being content in all things:
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Merry Christmas!
Resources
2020 has left so many feeling vulnerable and exposed. There is no shortage of hurting souls who need the peace—the blessed assurance—found only in Christ. Who are the acquaintances, friends, colleagues, and/or family members in your life who need deep and true peace? If you are looking for ways to really connect to others with spiritual conversations, we offer the following.
Experiencing God– This study focuses on the way we interact and dialogue with God, the way we become increasingly aware of his presence, and how we continue to form a more personal relationship with him. All questions are open-ended to meet each individual where they are and guide them to take the next appropriate step to Jesus. Experiencing God is the first study found within Guide for Discipling. If you would like to learn more, click HERE to download a FREE overview.
Living Life as God Intended– While this small group study was designed to bridge recovery from addiction to Christ, it can easily be adapted to use with a variety of process groups. If you are walking with people through grief, sickness, or broken relationships the same steps and principles will provide a powerful basis for helping people get back on a healthy track. Click HERE for a FREE DOWNLOAD.
There is no shortage of hurting souls who need the peace—the blessed assurance—found only in Christ. Click To TweetPhoto by Aaron Burden on Unsplash