Hope City

SUNDAY THOUGHTS…

As we remember and celebrate that moment long ago when Jesus stepped into humanity as a baby, I can’t help but hear the religious slogan ringing through my ears: “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Well frankly, He is. But he’s not just the reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus is the reason we mark time the way we do and call this year “2023”.

In fact, all of recorded history is centered around Jesus because everything that came before him is noted as the years “Before Christ” (B.C.) and everything that has come after His birth is noted in Latin as “Anno Domino” (A.D.) which means “in the year of our Lord”. We’ve literally split recorded human history into two eras of time because the Word became flesh and dwelt among us 2023 years ago (give or take a few years).

I am grateful for the words the angel announced when Jesus was born: “Peace on earth to those on whom God’s favor rests.” God’s peace is freely available to all of us because the Prince of Peace came into our world. There’s a kicker though…we can choose to receive or reject His peace.

For my part, I’ve chosen to receive and live daily in His peace. But it requires me to lay down my desire for war, my desire to fight and argue and demand to be “right”. I also have to choose daily to lay down the things that destroy the peace He offers—things like worry and fear and anger. The Prince of Peace has come into the world for our sake. But He will not force His peace upon us through coercion.

As you celebrate the truth that “Unto us a child is born” and that He is, indeed, our “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace”, may you let go of your cares and relax into His peace. May you lean in to His wise Counsel and embrace the love of the Father. And may you know there is nothing too difficult for our Mighty God to achieve in your life. In fact, you are so loved that God gave you His only begotten son that you may believe and live forever!

Merry Christmas!