Peace on earth
Brrr! It’s been very cold here in the UK this last week, with temperatures struggling to get above freezing. I went for a run on Saturday morning, and about six miles in, discovered that my beard had frozen! I was a bit concerned that I might get frostbite on my face, fortunately I did not.
The freezing conditions have made the countryside magical. It’s like Elsa, from the film Frozen, has used her magic power everywhere.
As we run up to Christmas, the decorative house lights seem to sparkle a little more in the bleak midwinter nights!
In the Christmas Nativity story, God sent angels to some shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem announcing the birth of Jesus (they were not washing their socks at the time!). This is what the Bible says happened:
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’”
I love the imagery of God’s peace falling from heaven onto people, like snow,. The wording is quite clear – it’s on those whom his favour rests. Another translation says, ‘Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.’
Is God’s peace worth having? I think so! So how does one please God?
Firstly, there needs to be an acknowledgement that God is real. The shepherds, in this encounter, were left in no doubt to the existence of God! This Christmastime let me encourage you to seek God.
Secondly, there needs to be and honesty about your situation. If you are in need of God, and His help, simply cry out to Him. In my experience God responds when we sincerely call on Him. This Christmastime let me encourage you to be honest with yourself. If you need divine help – call out to God!
Finally, be someone who listens to what God says and obey. God is fundamentally good, and he loves you very much. He is for you, and longs to do life with you. This Christmastime let me encourage you to be obedient.
In my experience, I have known God’s ‘peace on earth’ in the good times and bad and it has been a great comfort to me.
Even though it was boldly proclaimed by those angels to the shepherds some 2000 years ago, it’s reality is just as powerful and relevant today!
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader