Rewinding Christmas to Find Peace, Love, and Joy

As quickly as it came, the Christmas holiday has slipping away. With Thanksgiving falling the last week in November this year, that was the first indication the season might run its course quickly. Lately, it seems like the years go by so quickly too. This year, I tried really hard to draw out each day and make it last as long as I could. The season begins in November and each day up until Christmas should be thoroughly enjoyed to the fullest. For us, it meant a tradition of reading Advent scriptures/praying, classic Christmas movies, popcorn and family crafts. The children are 6 and 8.  My prayer is for all memories created to be etched on their hearts and recalled later with their own children. We made sure to share old family traditions and to speak life, love and hope into future traditions. Each child was told that when they get married and come back home for the holidays we will watch classics and recall all the funny things they did as kids.  The thought of it all is so beautiful and the expectation is like waiting on Christ to be born. The expectancy of Jesus coming into the world to save us is something you can't forget, but we often do running around to parties and shopping. Whether it is birth or His death, the miracle is the gift of eternal life for all of us.  A Savior was born -- to save us. Although we miss it each year, that sacrifice is the best gift ever and we don't even realize it. What if we could rewind this year? What would you do differently?  The prophet Isaiah said this about Jesus:

Isaiah 9:6-7 -New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

Peace, love and joy should be our prayer for each and every day. Peace is something many people long for; especially during a time when there are wars, pestilence, famine, job loss and homelessness. If you are experiencing any of these, how much would you give to have a peaceful, quiet evening with warm home that is paid in full, table full of family and food and a enough love and joy to share with your neighbors? The image in my head is beautiful and brings me back to the upper room where Jesus sat with the disciples.  May 2014 be a year that we seek the Kingdom of God and all that He has to offer -- even in the middle of our storms -- to experience His peace, love and joy.

Peace

Peace is a valuable commodity. To have a day when nothing happens or a day when you can sit and do nothing but watch the snow fall is a wonderful day. The older I get the more I understand about life. The older I get the less I understand about people. If these are truly the last days, we are so far from resembling a community of Kingdom minded people.

We don't know each other and we don't even try to know each other. The old saying, "it takes a village to raise a child" used to be told in the South a lot. Communities were connected through family, church, "going to town", revivals, dinner in fellowship halls at church, etc. Now, we can all be in the same room and the distance is like looking across an ocean trying to find dry land -- no connections at all.

What happened to the people who enjoyed living simply and fellowshiping over a table full of food. Now, that is heaven on earth. Nothing says community or fellowship like food. When there was a bad day, there was nothing a good meal and talking about the "good old days" couldn't help or heal. There used to be priorities and our priorities are all mixed up now.

Priority is defined as: the principal thing, putting first things first, establishing the most important thing, and primary focus. If our priorities determine the quality of life and dictate all of our actions and behavior, then it is essential that we understand and identify our priorities.

The greatest tragedy in life is not death but life without a purpose—life with the wrong priorities. Moreover, life’s greatest failure is to be successful in the wrong assignment. Success in life is measured by the effective use of one’s time. Your time is important because your time is your life. And the key to effective use of your time is establishing correct priorities. First things first!

The principle of priority is important to the concept of the Kingdom of God. Why? Because if priority is the essence of life, then we should want to know what our priority in life should be so that we can live effectively. It may surprise you to know that most of the people in the world are driven by incorrect priorities that occupy and control their entire lives.

God established His priority at the beginning of creation and made it clear by His own declaration to mankind. Jesus Christ came to earth and reestablished God’s number-one priority. During His first discourse introducing His primary message and mission, Jesus established God’s priority for all mankind with several powerful and straightforward statements: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (Matt 6:25).

What would you change today in order to be at peace with yourself and who God made you to be? What is your kingdom assignment? If you figure out the answers, you may find your peace.

Peace in the Valley

The news has become a thorn in my side. If someone isn't "coming out" they are getting shot. I am not quite sure what to think about these times, but can only lean on my understanding that we may be living in the last days. This chaotic and emotionally charged nation is getting pushed to the edge and breaking down. It is as if we are bursting at the seams and fighting each other for the top. I don't quite understand what it means to be at the top and why anyone wants all of the attention that being on top could bring to you. The top is said to be the loneliest place, because you have to be so secluded and protected. There are times when I can see popular people on top as if they are real, but cocooned from the real world. Their real selves are somewhere inside in order to please the fans, members or people who long to be entertained in some way. So, what's so good about having it all when you can't walk down the street to window shop or get a bite to eat?

In looking back over everything I have read in the Bible, I find that the popular people or the ones in the spotlight had to fight or were being fought by the enemies of God. The enemies of God were anyone who opposed His will and His plan for His people. It is like there is war after war to achieve what was rightfully given to each man -- peace, joy and freedom.  It is almost like our pursuit of happiness (like in the old days).  We longed for a home, car and a college degree; because we thought if we made $35,000 a year and retired at 50 or 55 that was heaven on earth. Now that I am older and have a better understanding of peace and joy, I know that there is no one in the Bible who did a job, managed the sheep and just retired to live happily ever after. There was a battle for land, a war on their peace and joy was just over the river. Joy was in the presence of our Father in heaven and even that took a little initiative on their part or work.

Lord, help me to have peace in the valley. Each day can bring a bump in the road or a mountain that tumbles to the valley. Give me victory in the battle called life and let me war against the hindering spirits sent to steal, kill and destroy my peace.  Because I have you, Lord, I know that all things are possible and even peace is achievable in a cold, dark world full of confusion and strife. I declare victory in the valley and peace for weary souls. In Jesus Name, Amen.

1 Thessalonians 1  - New International Version (NIV)

1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

² We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³ We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶ You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.