For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
One of my favorite Christmas decorations is a nativity set that belonged to my grandparents. Over the years the animals have come unglued and some of the paint has worn but it’s as beautiful to me as the day I received it. There is a light bulb over the manger and it shines brightly in our home at night. Every time I look at it, I think of the lyrics of Silent Night.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
While Christmas carols and nativity sets paint a beautiful calm picture of that holy night, I have to believe in the days and months leading up to Jesus’ birth that Mary and Joseph were at times overwhelmed by God’s calling for their lives. In Luke chapter 2, we learn that they traveled about 80 miles on a donkey to Bethlehem. Upon arriving, they were told there were no rooms available so Mary had to give birth to the Savior of the world alongside farm animals. Yet, they trusted God deeply from the very beginning and they have given us a beautiful picture of obedience and God’s peace.
Mary was a virgin betrothed to Joseph when God sent the angel Gabriel to tell her that she was highly favored by God and she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. While Mary did not understand how this was possible, she responded by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant; may your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38) Mary’s response makes it easy to understand why she was chosen. Without hesitation, she said yes despite the shame she would have to bear of an unwed pregnancy and the possibility of being stoned to death.
Mary had not shared what the angel Gabriel told her with Joseph when he learned of her pregnancy. He naturally assumed that she had conceived with another man. Joseph was a righteous man and he could not bear the thought of shaming her in public, much less demanding her death, so he planned to quietly divorce her. While he considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20) When he woke up, he did exactly as he was told.
Both Mary and Joseph trusted God and had peace despite their circumstances. In order to understand how they could possibly have peace, we must understand God’s peace. In most languages, the word peace means the absence of war. In the Bible, peace can refer to the absence of conflict but it often points to the presence of something better in its place. It is not the absence of difficulties, but rather, it is the presence of God.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace is shalom which means complete or whole. In the New Testament, shalom is revealed to mean the reconciliation of all things to God by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:19-20) To experience shalom results from all of our relationships being made right with God, others, and ourselves.
I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants – but let them not turn to folly. (Psalm 85:8)
Mary and Joseph listened to what God said and did exactly as He instructed. They knew His promises are true and therefore they had peace.
For He himself IS our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:14)
To reconcile and heal a broken relationship is to bring peace which also explains why Mary and Joseph had peace.
God gives perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
On that holy night in Bethlehem, the Prince of Peace came to earth as a baby to lead a broken world to a place of peace where it could be made whole again. We can find comfort in knowing that He will faithfully give us peace if we fix our thoughts on Him and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. (Colossians 3:15) His peace is a gift and the best gifts are made to be shared. This Christmas season, may we be encouraged to be His faithful servants and live in His perfect peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
Craft & Recipe
Print out your favorite Christmas hymns and grab a few twigs to create this craft as a reminder of God's peace.
Pumpkin Cheesecake-Stuffed Monkey Bread
Make two and share one with a loved one or someone that needs to feel His love!
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