One of my favourite times of Christmas is sitting in the living room with the Christmas tree lights in a darkened room. There is such a quiet peace there as I reflect on the light of Jesus Christ in the world. This peace was promised long ago and now is a reality for us through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
This beautiful excerpt about peace is a helpful verse…
“What do you suppose would happen if we paid attention to God’s commands? We don’t have to wonder, because He told us clearly: ‘If only you had paid attention to my commands: your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.’ (Isa. 48:18).
God’s Word does not say we will have peace like a pond. If we were honest, we might admit to thinking of peaceful people as boring. We might think, I’d rather forgo peace and have an exciting life! When was the last time you saw white-water rapids? Few bodies of water are more exciting than rivers! We can have active, exciting lives without suffering through a life of turmoil. To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life’s journey. Peace is submission to a trustworthy authority, not resignation from activity.
Peace is something we all desire, and it is something that God promises to us. Peace like a river is an active moving peace. It is not still or stagnant, it is dynamic and powerful in our lives.
Christmas is a time that reminds us that the arrival of Jesus brings us deep and abiding peace.
