He brought peace
““Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodness to men!” Luke 2:14
Peace is a priceless gift! It is worth everything but cannot be purchased. It is a gift that was given to us when Jesus was born. Many think that peace on earth means that people will live together without conflict or disagreement, but what Jesus brought us was peace with God in heaven. He brought the peace of heaven to earth! Before that time, there was a great distance between God and His people, but when Jesus came, He became the bridge that reached between mankind and God. Now we personally have access to God and not only that, we can receive Him as our Father! He didn’t want to just have a people to command and order around, He wanted a family. He became our Father and His love empowers us to be successful in all areas of life. In all that, He provided a peaceful relationship with Himself, which produces peace in our hearts/lives.
So what is peace? Some would say peace is calmness, rest, order, or harmony with others. While these definitions are true, the God kind of peace is much deeper. Let’s take a look at what God said in His Word about peace. Peace is the guard of your heart. It lets us know when our heart is right with God. Philippians 4:7 says, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” If peace is missing from your life, it is a sign that you need more of God in your heart. Peace is a ruler. Peace measures whether we are thankful for all God has brought us through and called us to. Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Peace is a fruit or result of God’s Spirit living inside of us. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Peace demonstrates if we are walking out our life through God’s Spirit or in our flesh. Romans 8:6 says, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Lastly, walking in the peace of God will allow us to complete the second part of today’s verse. When we decide to walk in the peace of God, we are then able to exercise good will toward others. This time of the year provides a wonderful opportunity to bless others with a kind act or word. It is also an opportunity to share God’s great love with those around us and to be reminded of His great love for us!
Today I want to encourage you to allow God’s peace to fill up your life. Don’t be stressed about all the things you want to get done before Christmas Day. Instead, let the peace of God fill you up. Spend time with Him and tell Him how thankful you are and how much you love Him. Make this Christmas about your relationship with Him. Don’t forget He is the reason why we are celebrating this great day, the day He became a person to live with us, save us, and fill our life with peace . . . The God kind of peace!
Today’s scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
The Daily Dose 