The candle of peace

Tis the season for advent; in fact this Sunday we will be lighting the peace candle. Peace is such an exciting and disappointing subject, depending on your perspective. Try looking around this world and you will find little of it.

Our government is divided with one constantly seeking methods to destroy the other. The news is filled with school shootings, wars and whatever the newest problem that we are facing.

Where is the peace the Angels spoke of to the shepherds. 'Peace on earth goodwill toward men.”

People are disillusioned because they approach God's peace like it is supposed to come by wishful thinking and a wave of God's magic wand.

In Numbers 6:24-26 is the priestly blessing: 'The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

Peace is the Hebrew word for shalom, here seen in its most expressive fullness, not the absence of war, but a positive state of righteousness and well-being. Such a peace comes only from the Lord.

Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is more than a state of mind, but a state of the heart. A peace that helps the individual to face daily situations in the midst of storms.

The peace the Angels spoke of was regarding Jesus who is born to us and whose spirit dwells within us as we believe and receive Him as our Lord and Savi=

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'Matthew Henry, in his own quaint and striking way, says: When Christ was about to leave the world, He made His will: His soul He committed to the Father; His body He bequeathed to Joseph, to be decently interred; His cloths fell to the soldiers; His mother He left to the care of John; but what should He leave to His poor disciples that had left all for him? Silver and gold He had none, but He left them that which was infinitely better, His peace. 'Peace I leave you.” (Heartwarming Bible Illustrations).

Let us light the candle of peace and know the true peace we can only know in and through Jesus Christ our Lord. Have a blessed weekend.