The American Atheists are spreading their word. Well, they are trying anyway. Outside of the Lincoln Tunnel that stretches under the Hudson River, from New Jersey to New York City, next to one of the most heavily traveled roads in the United States, they posted a billboard about the mythology of Christmas with the invitation to “Celebrate Reason.” When asked why the group spent the money to advertise their highly unpopular view, one atheist said it was to help people escape the bondage created by religion which is the leading cause of hatred and death. In fairness, I will concede that some do kill in the name of God. Christianity has some big blots on her record when it comes to seeking peace.
Those who own a religion may be angry and hate, but those who know the true message of Christ will be people of reconciliation. The Bible says "I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him." (1 John 2:8-11, NIV)
Is loving peace an easy assignment? Not at all. We love our own way. We are quickly offended by those who resist us or who challenge our views. We naturally rise to protect our advantages. If we think that we own Christ, all of the above will happen. We will argue and strike back at those that diminish Him. But, if Christ owns us, we will ‘turn the other cheek’ knowing that He will care for us as a shepherd cares for the flock. In Advent, we remember that He came to save us, that He bought us to be His people. Oh that we would learn to rest securely in that fact!
Has the Light of Jesus shined into your life? Are you owned by Him, held close, safely secure and at rest?
Then, you can live as He taught. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, NIV)
Disciple, if you find yourself fighting, in constant conflict, take a deeper look at what is disquieting your mind and heart. Settle the inner turmoil by inviting the Prince of Peace to speak to the storms that are raging inside of you. When you are at peace, you will live in peace. I know whereof I speak! When I take control of my life from my Lord, when I begin to let the stresses of life (and there is stress!) convince me that I need to stamp out every fire and direct every scene, conflict within myself and with others starts to escalate. When I take those things to Him in prayer, waiting patiently for His will to be done, I find “peace that passes human comprehension” that comes from His love.
Here’s a word from the Word. Ponder it and may you find a renewed love for the One who came to bring ‘peace on earth, good will to men.’
"So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view.
At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.
The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ.
And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”" (2 Corinthians 5:16-20, NLT)
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Coming to Jesus, my Savior I found
Wonderful peace, wonderful peace;
Storms in their fury may rage all around
I have peace, sweet peace.
Gone is the battle that once raged within
Wonderful peace, wonderful peace;
Jesus has saved me and cleansed me from sin
I have peace, sweet peace.
Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Peace, peace, glorious peace;
Since my Redeemer has ransomed my soul
I have peace, sweet peace.
Wonderful Peace
Lillenas, Haldor
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