Restoring peace
For many, Christmas is a time to celebrate. Particularly those of us who accept the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. The decorative lights we see everywhere remind us of God’s light in a dark world. As we exchange gifts, we are grateful for God’s gift to us. We have so much to be grateful and thankful for.
However, this time of year is often laced with pain. We are reminded of our situations and they can seem stark against the backdrop of Christmas. Loneliness is amplified, brokenness highlighted.
It was no mistake that Jesus was born in the circumstances he was; the virgin conception, the harshness of the journey and stable, the political situation of Roman occupancy and the threat from Herod. Into that, came peace.
We carry the truth of His birth and resurrection in our hearts, it forms a part of our lives that affects the way we see things. It colours how we speak and act. The same truth that was at play all those years ago in Bethlehem is at work in us. It has the power to bring light into our situations.
Despite the circumstances, this Christmas can be the best one you ever had as you allow God’s truth to be the overriding influencer on your life.
A final thought. We face many challenges in many settings. Have we become so adaptable that we lose a sense of who we really are? Do I put on a different mask for each occasion? As we Journey with God, our hearts are being restored and renewed. Our true selves are being discovered in Him.
Find a sense of peace this Christmas!
However, this time of year is often laced with pain. We are reminded of our situations and they can seem stark against the backdrop of Christmas. Loneliness is amplified, brokenness highlighted.
It was no mistake that Jesus was born in the circumstances he was; the virgin conception, the harshness of the journey and stable, the political situation of Roman occupancy and the threat from Herod. Into that, came peace.
We carry the truth of His birth and resurrection in our hearts, it forms a part of our lives that affects the way we see things. It colours how we speak and act. The same truth that was at play all those years ago in Bethlehem is at work in us. It has the power to bring light into our situations.
Despite the circumstances, this Christmas can be the best one you ever had as you allow God’s truth to be the overriding influencer on your life.
A final thought. We face many challenges in many settings. Have we become so adaptable that we lose a sense of who we really are? Do I put on a different mask for each occasion? As we Journey with God, our hearts are being restored and renewed. Our true selves are being discovered in Him.
Find a sense of peace this Christmas!
Tim Sparkes
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