Finding Peace
(Rev. Judy Carlson, United Methodist Church) We all want “Peace on Earth.” This kind of peace is one that is dependent upon us. And history has proven that we’re not always that dependable.
When peace is dependent upon us, it usually doesn’t last. Think of all the treaties that have been signed throughout history and then later broken.
As I look at all of the uncertainty and unrest in our world, I wonder how we could ever find peace. Everywhere we look, we don't see peace, but rather unrest and worry. In the midst of this we encounter a beautiful story called “Christmas.” Right in the middle of this beautiful story we read a Christmas promise that should be music to our ears, and yet it is very difficult to believe. It is the part where the angels visit the shepherds.
We have not only heard this story, but this story is played out in Nativity scenes, theater productions, and Christmas carols everywhere. It is what follows next that is both priceless and puzzling.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) NIV The “Glory to God” part is easy to accept. It is the “peace on earth” part that is more difficult to swallow. Ev erything in the story adds up until this one word, “peace” pops up.
Christ was supposed to bring peace, but look around and answer this question, “Where is it?” It is not in the Middle East. Not in Ukraine. Not on Wall Street. Not in Washington. Not even in a lot of American neighborhoods. It is not in a lot of homes and it is not in a lot of hearts. Yet, the promise is unconditional. When Jesus came, He came bringing peace on earth.
The peace of Christ is one which fills our hearts with the Grace of God in Christ so we can affirm what Jesus told the Disciples in John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The only thing which can bring peace to the troubled soul and the only thing which can fill that emptiness is Christ Jesus.
The same thing that those angels told those shepherds is the same thing that little baby now tells us. Peace is not found in a place; it is found in a person whose name is Jesus. When Christ is the center of your life, peace will be at the center of your life. When you are in Jesus and Jesus is in you, you will have peace – the kind of peace that only God can give.
The good news of Christmas is you don’t have to die to rest in peace. You can rest in peace here and now. Even with all the problems, all the pressures, and all the people that we have to deal with, that little baby was born 2000 years ago so that we might have peace on earth.
May peace be upon you this Christmas Season. Merry Christmas from the Osmond United Methodist Church.
