The greatest focus of Christmas is not on the gifts that we will purchase but rather on the gifts that have already been provided … supernaturally through the coming of Christ … into our world … and greater still, into our hearts.
I do love giving gifts, I really do!
It is in giving that we honor others and thus truly honor the Lord.
However, I do see the risk that can be created.
We could easily be captured by what is being given and miss altogether the greater gifts that are in Christ alone.
The beauty of the Advent is that it is a time of sincere preparation that will lead to greater spiritual participation.
We are given Advent moments that will allow us to set our hearts right so that we do indeed see the fulness of His coming, and sincerely comprehend the deep realities that show us His glory, generosity, and goodness.
Christ revealed and Christ received … this is the message and the purpose of Advent … and this is the specific word to us this week …
Peace Has Come … Promise Fulfilled!
Listen to these words from Robin Basselin in her article, ‘Advent Peace’, “Many of us are familiar with the words of Luke 2 from Christmas plays past, “… the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:10-14).
Christ is born … and in that glorious moment, peace comes to us and the favor of God rests on us.
There is nothing that rivals this reality and the results radically transform our lives in every way.
▪ Advent PEACE … causes anxiety and anguish to gently go away
▪ Advent PEACE … carries us when courage comes up short
▪ Advent PEACE … creates safety and stability in the midst of the storm
▪ Advent PEACE … covers up the voice of fear and the chaos of fierce adversity
▪ Advent PEACE … centers our focus and our faith
▪ Advent PEACE … calls us to go deeper and to stand still
All of this is ours to embrace and own … better still, it should own us!
Peace Has Come … Promise Fulfilled!
Robin goes on to say this to us, “We know that Christ came to usher in a new era and that by dying in our place, we can by faith have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
For this, we do give Him praise … but it is the following statement from Robin that should give us great pause …
“However, God does not mean for us to just sit back and indulge in this peace. He calls us to work along with the Spirit to restore God’s shalom here on Earth.”
“Restoring God’s shalom” … this is a task that is oft-overlooked … and the tragic consequences of this are seen all around us … and felt deep inside of us.
It is only those who are truly reconciled that are capable to restore … so it does matter what we allow to be accomplished in our hearts.
Peace Has Come … Promise Fulfilled!
My prayer is that His peace will flow in us, so that we can experience the fullness of His promise in our hearts and lives … and then gloriously overflow us, enabling the peace and favor of God to fill all the earth.
What greater gift could there be?
I am in … and you?
– Terry –