12/13/13 Peace

Lord, guide our thoughts and strengthen our faith as we reflect on this amazing and comforting passage from the gospel of John. Amen. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

And he will be called . . . Prince of Peace

John 14:25-27 (NIV)

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 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.

I love this passage!  I love it because the words spoken here by Jesus to His disciples are not only intended for them but also for us today. That makes it very special. The peace that Jesus is leaving and giving is meant for us.

From where does this peace come? It comes from the Holy Spirit who was sent by the Father in the name of Jesus. It comes from the precious indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is active in our lives helping us to comprehend everything Jesus taught and bringing to mind His promises at precisely the moment we need them.  It comes from a loving Savior who wants our hearts to be no longer troubled or our lives filled with fear. That’s real peace!

It is a peace that passes all understanding. It is a peace that only Jesus can bring because He is the Prince of Peace.  It is the very peace that we hunger for during this busy Christmas season and often try to find in people and things.

Advent is a time for reflection as we await the celebration of Christ’s birth. It is a time for thanksgiving because without the birth of Jesus, it is not possible to know the peace that God the Father wants all of us to have.

Lord, thank you for coming into the world. Thanks you for asking the Father to send the Holy Spirit that we might know real peace. Amen.

John