Today’s 333 Devotional: “The Peace of Christmas”

The angels ended their proclamation saying, “And on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

In the world there is little if any peace. This is why if the birth of Christ is to bring peace many say, “Such peace I can do without.” The problem, however, is they don’t understand the peace Jesus brings.

The peace Jesus brings isn’t the absence of conflict; even Jesus said in this world we will have tribulation, and if it hated Him, how much more will it hate us. Rather the peace Jesus is talking about is different.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

The peace Jesus brings is peace with God, a peace that resides within the heart of a person who knows Jesus as their Savior and Lord when the storms of life are crashing around them.

There is a painting entitled “Peace.” It depicts angry waves crashing against jagged rocks. The scene is anything put peaceful. But down in the corner of the painting, tucked away in the rocks, is a small bird sitting on her nest totally oblivious to the waves crashing only feet away.

That’s the peace we’ll find when we shelter ourselves in the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ. When the wind and waves of outrageous fortune come crashing down, we can shelter securely in Jesus who calms the raging storms.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The result of redemption by the blood of Jesus is not only salvation of our souls, but peace with God through reconciliation. We are no longer enemies of God, but his friends, and not only friends, but His children.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)