The first advent candle was HOPE. This past week, we lit the second advent candle which represents PEACE. Over the past 4000 years of human history it has been estimated that less than 300 of those years were years of peace without a war somewhere in the world. Peace has always been an elusive desire of men's hearts.
As we look at the Christmas story we understand something of God's heart towards peace. When the angels appeared to some shepherds on a hill side near Bethlehem, they spoke the following words ...
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Lk 2.14, NASB)
The purpose of God's redemptive plan for mankind, was first and foremost, to bring glory to God. I love this quote by Warren Wiersbe ...
"God's glory had dwelt in the tabernacle and in the temple, but had departed because of the nation's sin. Now God's glory was returning to earth in the person of His Son" (Warren Wiersbe).
God's heart is that mankind experience peace, not just on a national level between nations, but on a personal level as well. Shalom, one of the Old Testament words for peace, is full of meaning. It comes from a root word meaning "to be whole." It speaks of completeness, welfare, and health. It is much more than the absence of difficulties or strife. It communicates a sense of well-being and wholeness and speaks of blessing and prosperity in all areas of life.
God is a God of peace. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely ..." The Lord is peace and He is the source of true peace. God offers peace to those who receive Him and His Kingdom, to those who open their hearts to His good favor and are willing to be reconciled to Him.
"For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven" (Col 1:19-20).
When Jesus Christ came the first time He came to provide peace between men and God. That peace begins with Christ and opens the door for us to know the peace of God in everyday life circumstances. We can experience the peace of God when we have made peace with God.
When the Lord returns again He will return as the Prince of Peace who will finally establish peace on earth. This will be an exciting day and one we look forward to with great anticipation. In the meantime we reflect back on the first coming of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day and celebrate God's incredible love for mankind.
May this Christmas season be filled with God's peace!
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you have an account with Google, AIM, etc., you can sign in using the "comment as" drop down list below. If you do not have an account you can select anonymous from the list. If you use anonymous feel free to sign your name to the post.