Devotions this week are based on Week 4 of “He Shall Be Called: Prince of Peace” (CLICK HERE)
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…
This famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore relates the quietness of the house and all in bed as they wait for Christmas to arrive. The opening lines describe a peaceful scene of all in bed ready for a “long winter’s nap.”
But then the peace was disrupted by the visit of St. Nick.
Have you ever felt this way on other nights than Christmas Eve?
Life is going smoothly. You sleep soundly and the days roll by without incident.
Until they don’t.
External circumstances can quickly disrupt not only the external peace around us, but also the internal peace in our hearts.
Finances are good until one gets laid off.
Health is good, until an annual checkup reveals a suspicious tumor.
Relationships are good until a simple conversation turns into an angry argument.
Peace is easily disrupted.
To be honest, peace can be very hard to recapture once it is lost.
Unless we allow the Prince of Peace to rule with peace in our hearts.
The Prince of Peace loves to settle our hearts with three gifts this Christmas, that allow us to experience peace in our hearts even when life is challenged by external circumstances.
- The gift of salvation. Simeon was at peace because he saw Jesus and knew the child was his Savior.
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
2. The Gift of God’s Word– Sometimes we just need the truth of Jesus’ words to remind us of his promises.
John 14:25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 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.
3. The Gift of God’s presence. Fear comes when we feel alone to face adversity. Jesus comes to his disciples and promises to be with us too…to replace fear with peace.
John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
I pray that your situation in life this Christmas Eve is one that is at peace, but I also pray that the Prince of Peace whose birth we celebrate tonight and tomorrow gives your heart a lasting and enduring peace that is never disrupted by the external circumstances of life.
Apply: Which of God’s gifts to you do you need today to bring a deeper and lasting peace to your heart?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Prince of Peace and ruling in our hearts with peace only you can give. May the external circumstances of my life never disrupt the peace that God has worked in my heart. AMEN.