In the chorus of the song "O Come, all ye faithful", we sing "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" When Christ was born, not everyone who claimed they wanted to worship the Christ child really wanted to do so. Many of us go through the motions of church worship and service but our minds are usually far away. It is possible to mouth the words of worship and adoration yet not feel them in our hearts. Does anybody know what you really think about in your heart and mind? Are you willing to expose your fears, dreams, and drives to anybody? Exposure is risky?? Are you at peace? Do you know he Prince of Peace?
When the wise men from the East came searching for the King of the Jews in Jerusalem where Herod lived, they caused a major commotion. Herod the reigning tyrant king of the Jews, was extremely upset. He was a man who had killed his wife, mother-in-law, and three of his sons, because of his insecurities and greed for power and wealth. The news of the birth of the King of Kings intrigued him. Herod immediately called for the religious men of law and asked them where the Messiah was prophesied to be born. The chief priests of the day said they expected the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Herod asked the Magi to tell him when they had found the child, so that he could worship Him as well. However, in reality he did not want to worship Him but wanted to kill the baby who was an imminent threat to his throne.
Today the absence of war is the presence of peace. The coming of the wise men from the East showed that the Messiah was recognized as one who would bring peace to the Jews as well as the Gentiles Micah 5:4-5. Christ was born during the Pax Romana, a time when there was relative peace in the territories controlled by the Roman Empire. The Romans assured their people of peace and security. The legal system that brought law and order to the provinces is still practiced by many of the western court systems even today. The Jews detested the Roman rule and Herod as he was appointed King by the Romans.
Does not everybody want to live in peace? What was the peace that Christ offered to the world torn apart by hatred and violence then, and even today? To all of us who walk through the dark valley of the shadow of death Christ came to guide us into a life of peace (Luke 1:79). What steps have you taken to be a visible sign of God's peace on earth?
Gift of Peace
Jesus said,
Peace I leave with you.
My peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
John 14:27
The peace that Christ brought was peace of heart and mind (John 14:26-27). At church we joyfully exchange the peace of Christ with one another. Do we know this Peace with Christ or is it a time of catch up? Are we willing to surrender our fears, dreams, and drives to Christ? Christ promised the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us and direct us through our life on earth. He showed us the way of love to live at peace with God and our neighbor. If we live in Christ we will know peace. It is the peace that passes all understanding that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:7). It is a peace that revealed to us a God who loves us dearly (John 3:16) and sent us His Son that we may all inherit eternal peace (John17:3). It is a peace that comes from Knowing Christ that leads us to know that all will be well in the end.
The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you. And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
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