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Peace by Rev. Ian Fauchon
Peace. As this messenger reaches your letterbox we will begin to hear people expressing their views about the approaching “silly season”. Many use these words to refer to the lead-up to Christmas. They do so because of the hectic activity of shopping for presents, preparing for holidays, cooking for Christmas dinner, keeping the kids entertained for six weeks and sending greeting cards. Many of the cards that we send and receive will talk about peace, love, joy and goodwill. This is the message of our traditional Christmas celebrations as we wish these things for our family and friends. We may even hope that they extend to our entire world. But peace is often something that eludes us. Recent events in Israel and Lebanon, along with suicide bombings on a large scale continuing in Iraq, as well as the North Korean nuclear threats, all make peace seem far away. In addition to this many of our family and acquaintances will spend this Christmas suffering from illness, accident, broken relationships, loss of employment or other severe situations. “What has happened to peace?” many may well think. This is a legitimate question to ask. |
How can we find peace? The peace which the events of Christmas offer is not the absence of wars and conflict or disagreements. The Christ of Christmas warns us that these things will plague us as long as this world exists (Matthew 24:6-7). No, what He promises is a peace that is ours despite our circumstances. It is an absence of turmoil within us, although the circumstances surrounding us are far from peaceful. In fact it is a gift from Jesus to all who love Him (John 14:27). An old sailor once said “in fierce storms, we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.” If this “silly season” finds you stressed or your life circumstances are fierce storms tearing at you, then trust in the Christ of Christmas. That’s the position to be in and to stay in. You don’t need to be overwhelmed by your troubles. Learn a lesson from the old sailor. Have Jesus as your life’s companion. Fix your mind on Him. Ask for His help. Then trust Him to give you peace in your storm (Philippians 4:6-7). The secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God. Rev Ian Fauchon, can be contacted here about this article. |