The precious Gift of Peace
For lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.
You and I living in the West take many precious gifts for granted - and one of them is national peace. We go to bed each night fairly certain that a bomb won't explode above our heads, that a bullet won't ricochet around our room. But imagine the continual uncertainty and stress that many around the world - this very day - suffer as they settle uneasily in their beds each night.
National peace is not the only variety of peace. There is peace with our present circumstances, or peace in the midst of our present circumstances, the supernatural peace that passes all understanding, the deep down peace that the world cannot give. Many a convert to Christ comments joyfully on this immediate and new deep fruit of the Spirit. There is peace that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven and God's anger is turned away from us.
All of us long for peace. All of us find the absence of peace draining, wearing and wearying. Whatever the source of dis-ease or distress, we find it enormously difficult, for we were made for harmony and shalom. And more than made for it we were called to work for it, to be blessed peacemakers who preach a Gospel of peace.
Our carol's author in this final verse of "It came upon a midnight clear" looks forward to the day when Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace shall return and "peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing."
Heaven will be filled with Peace
Everything about heaven will be peaceful. No-one will be there who might spread gossip or disturb the peace. Satan will be forever locked up in the abyss. We ourselves will have new bodies to suit our new natures. There will be no curse to disturb creation's order and seated on the throne will be the Lamb, who is also called the Prince of Peace.
What disturbs your peace and my peace today? Jesus does not want our hearts to be troubled. He says to us, "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).
Let none of us fret but instead cast our burdens on the Lord knowing that he cares for us and promsies that if we bring our prayers to him with thanksgiving his peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
And let's muse, meditate and long for the age of peace, which soon will be upon us.
A SONG FOR THE DAY
Here's a wonderful old hymn about God's Peace. You can sing along HERE.
Loved with everlasting love,
Led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above,
Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace!
O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His, and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His, and He is mine.
Heav’n above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue
Christless eyes have never seen;
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow,
Flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.
Things that once were wild alarms
Cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms,
Pillowed on the loving breast.
O to lie forever here,
Doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear,
I am His, and He is mine.
While He whispers in my ear,
I am His, and He is mine.
His forever, only His;
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee,
Firstborn light in gloom decline;
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.
Gearge Robinson & James Mountain
A PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Our Father in heaven,
We thank you that the angels introduced the Son of God as one who would bring peace on the earth. We thank you that we have peace with God through his blood. And we thank you for every other variety of peace you bless us with. We thank you for the peace that passes all understanding and we long for the day when the Prince of Peace will rule over the new creation.
Teach us to cast our burdens on you and not to fret or dwell long ill at ease.
Teach us to look forward to the day when we will enjoy the age of eternal peace with all of God's people in a new world never again to be disturbed by war or sin.
We ask these things in the name of Jesus
Amen
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