Finding Peace in Christmas

Read Luke chapter 2 at home today and really think about what was happening in Mary and Joseph's life at the time. The census was handed down. Joseph and his very pregnant wife had to go to Bethlehem. No peace there. They get there and there's no room for them. No peace there.

But look at Luke 2:6-7,

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Sounds peaceful right? When little children recite it. It definitely sounds peaceful. But have you ever been in a labor and delivery room when a child is born? Not exactly peaceful. Especially for the woman giving birth! Now put yourself into as dirty of an environment as you can think of after a really long trip and think about the peace there? No peace, except for that little boy who was born.

Look at Luke 2:8-15. 

Shepherds had a hard life. They were hard men with a hard job. No peace. Then there dark night was lit up by an angel. No peace there. They were freaked out. Wouldn't you be? But then, the angel's message. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy..." Then a whole group of angels appear and praise God. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (vs. 14)

So what does all this mean? Peace to men. Peace to you. Peace that you can't find anywhere else, other than that baby boy who was born in anything but a peaceful way! Do you want peace? Jesus came to bring it. Jesus came to bring you peace.

How? 

Read Romans 5:1-2 . He came to bring you peace with God by removing your sins, and mine! He came to bring you peace with everyone around you. Do you have a relationship with someone that hasn't been the best? Give it to Jesus. He brings peace. Do you have something deep down inside that is preventing you from having peace with yourself? Give it to Jesus. He brings peace. He took all sins to the cross. He paid for all sins. You're at peace, whether you realize it or not. You're at peace, regardless of the circumstances you face. You're at peace because Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the One who brings peace on earth to men. Believe in Him! 

-Pastor Chris Johnson, Outreach and Young Adult Pastor