|
 For many, Christmas is a season of utter chaos!
If your family is like ours, we spend all our time planning and
working for the next big event. It’s a month of decorating, parties,
hustle, bustle, rushing here and rushing there. Black Friday at
Wal-Mart anyone?!!!
Some thrive in this atmosphere. Others, not so much! AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
Chaos…
When you stop to think about it, Jesus was born into the midst of
real chaos:
- There was relational chaos. We only have to think of Mary and
Joseph to see this. They were caught pregnant in an incredibly cruel
society. Many wanted to stone them thinking that Mary’s pregnancy
meant infidelity. Their accusers were many.
- There was financial chaos. (Why do you think a census was being
taken in the first place? More taxes!)
- There was political chaos. Several Roman governors and leaders of
that time hated each other! They were striving for power (I’m sure
nobody reading this has experienced any political chaos this past
year!)
Yet, into the midst of this chaos, the angels had a message for the
shepherds that we need to hear:
Luke 2:14 - “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
I’m sure you have known chaos in your life. Relationships break
down. Finances suffer. Perhaps you’ve had physical chaos in your
body: nagging health issues that seemingly won’t go away.
In Genesis 1:1-2, there was “chaos” in the uncreated earth: it was
empty 'formless' and void. But God spoke and brought order to the
chaos of emptiness.
For some, that’s what Christmas brings – emptiness and loneliness.
The loss of a loved one, the hurts of years gone by.
Whatever your chaos, just as at creation, and just as the angels
spoke that day, God speaks peace over you and your family right now.
When we need healing, Jesus is our Healer. By His stripes we are
healed. He speaks peace to our bodies.
When we need provision, God is our Provider. He speaks peace over
our finances.
When we need salvation, Jesus is our Savior.
He is our Peace! And that is good news.
[to top of second column] |
This doesn’t mean that everything swirling around us
will instantly calm down. But it does mean that, even in the storm,
Jesus is our anchor, our peace. And that anchor will hold fast!
Listen to the words Jesus spoke:
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may
have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good
cheer, I have overcome the world.
Take a moment, even right now. Close your eyes. Breathe. Come before
the Lord and give your chaos to Him. Let the peace of God settle in
you.
If you’d like me to agree with you in prayer, call 217-735-5900.
We’re here to believe with you for God’s best in your life. He wants
to fill you with His peace this Christmas season.
May the peace of heaven fill your heart!
Darren Palmer
Pastor, Faith Assembly
|
