Find the Missing Peace this Christmas
There is something missing...
Peace on Earth - Really??
“Peace on earth” is a central part of the Christmas message and a reality we’d all love to experience. But when we look around or listen to the news, it seems like an empty promise. Our world is not at peace, and often our lives and relationships are not peaceful either.
There’s something missing.
I reckon in all of us there’s a big hole.
At Christmas we try to fill the hole with fun happy stuff like bon bons, BBQ’s and beach holidays.
Those things are good… but they don’t fill that hole. The hole is still there.
Christmas also dials up the stress levels. Maybe that is how life feels right now. Something is not right.
Imagine if this Christmas you could be full of peace. Real peace. .
What would it take to experience that kind of peace? Well, that is actually the promise of the original Christmas. It was a birth announcement designed not to be missed.
On the original Christmas day 2000 years ago, when Jesus was born, a crowd of angels came out, and they sung: “peace to those on whom God’s favour rests”
Can you hear it?
God is promising to fill that hole in our lives with his peace.
You might be wondering (and it is a good question) – how can a baby born 2000 years ago offer lasting peace today?
You see, that was a baby worth watching… this baby would change the world forever.
In a promise long before his birth, the bible said he would be a “Prince of Peace”
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end. (Isaiah 9: 6-7)
So, you’d want to ask, what was he like when he grew up?
His life on earth brought peace.
As a man he taught "blessed are the peacemakers”, “forgive as you have been forgiven”, “love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you". He brought peace to the grieving and broken-hearted, as he healed the sick, restored those with devastating physical, mental and spiritual illnesses, gave sight to the blind and raised the dead to life. Wherever he went, he made everything right!
He practiced what he preached.
When the religious and political powers piled on insults, false accusations and crucified him, he prayed “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.” He knew what he was doing. “I have come to bring life to the full” he said.
His death paid a debt we couldn’t pay. His life given to reconcile us to God. To bridge the gap, the mend the tear, to fill the hole. His death brought us peace with God.
His resurrection is the promise of future peace and restoration of this broken world.
Because he conquered our greatest enemy death, we can be confident that there is new life beyond the grave.
All who trust and follow this Prince of Peace are given the gift of his peace now. He brings the calm we crave. That doesn’t mean an end to suffering yet. Because we are at peace with God, we can survive whatever this broken world throws at us. God is our refuge and help. We can enjoy his favour, his security and love – even in the middle of life’s storms.
Wouldn’t you like to know this peace with God that transforms life now and life forever?
Jesus IS the missing peace you've been looking for!
This Christmas, why not break the cycle and ask God to fill the hole. Ask God for the gift of Jesus. Why not take a closer look?
Find out more here.
Connect with a community of people who know Jesus this Christmas.
Click the link and type in your postcode to find a church near you in the Sydney area
Check out ‘The Missing Peace’ by Sam Chan
In this short, warm and down-to-earth book, author Sam Chan (in the video above) considers the question of peace. Through relatable storytelling and engaging insights into the Christian faith and Christmas story, Chan shows us how peace is possible despite the harsh realities of life in this world.
Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.