PEACE

Peace is a major theme of Christmas. Check out these scriptures prophesying Jesus' birth:
"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 Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end."
Isaiah 9:6-7


"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor gives birth
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
5 And he will be their peace."
Micah 5:2-5

The promised peace of Christmas is not a mushy, feel good, no war, peace for everyone on earth. Through God's gift of Jesus, he made it possible to have true peace: peace with our selves, each other, and God himself. But peace lies in the choice. If we do not choose God and his son and his way of living, then we cannot expect there to be peace. Jesus Christ IS peace to those who believe.

Check out Ephesians 2:14-18 for more. Also, check out my friend Mike's thoughts on this topic--they blew me away.
APK