Jesus is the Source of True Peace

  

  Merry Christmas, Dear Friends!  I don't know about you, but the older I get the more my heart longs for peace, joy, and a silent night during the Christmas season.  I remember when I was younger and I looked forward to excitement and holiday festivities.  I was ok with running around and being super busy.  I remember thriving on the busyness of the holiday season and wanted to take part in all the hustle and bustle that I could.  I guess I am getting older, but now what I really long for are quiet, reflective, peaceful moments. We hear a lot about peace at Christmastime, and I think many are longing for peace but do not understand the true source of peace.  Jesus Himself said these words:

  The great pastor Charles Spurgeon said that peace could not be found but within the message of Jesus.

"Do you not feel, my brethren, that the gospel of God is peace to man?  Where else can peace be found but in the message of Jesus?" - Charles Spurgeon

  The world around us screams at us that peace will come through a political party,  politicians, a perfectly organized Pinterest worthy home, financial success, social status,  a public platform, having good looks and maintaining health and youthfulness, travel and entertainment, and through many other things that people desire.  If we let our gaze shift from Jesus to chasing these things, which may not be wrong in and of themselves, we will forfeit peace instead of gain it.  Remember the words to the old hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus?"  The lyrics say Oh, what peace we often forfeit all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.  

  During this Christmas season I just want to encourage us all to keep our eyes on Jesus knowing that He is the true source of our joy and peace.  Festivities are fun, gifts are a blessing, and life offers many joys but truly those things will never fully satisfy apart from Jesus.  He is the source of every good thing and He is the only one Who can give us quietness of heart and peace so that we can say, "It is Well with my soul."  I hope you enjoy this video of Chris Rice singing this beloved hymn so beautifully! 

  It is hard to believe that Christmas is inching up so quickly.  I hope that as we move forward and closer to Christmas day that we can all let the peace of Christ dwell and rule in our hearts.  May the world around us see what they are searching for in our lives and may we be quick to share where our peace and hope come from.  The Christmas season affords us increased opportunities to talk about Jesus, His birth, and the peace that He offers to us not just at Christmastime but all year long.  Merry Christmas, Friends!