Let Peace Begin With Me

"God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."

- C. S. Lewis

Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child

Holy Infant, so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Just reading those words makes me want to pause and take a deep breath. It may be just me, but I feel like the pace of life has only increased since pre-Covid days. I long for the stillness of a silent night and a little heavenly peace.

Heavenly peace is so much more than simple stillness. The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom,” which means harmony, wholeness and completeness. Only with Jesus can we experience true ‘shalom’. Ephesians 2:14 says:

Our reconciling “Peace” is Jesus! He has made Jew and non-Jew one in Christ. By dying as our sacrifice, he has broken down every wall of prejudice that separated us and has now made us equal through our union with Christ. (TPT)

Think about that! Jesus reconciled us to Himself through the cross. He calls us to live at peace with those in our lives - even if we have differing opinions about everything from politics to vaccines. As we come to a close of this second week of Advent, let's strive to be peacemakers and live as the Apostle Paul challenged. 2 Corinthians 13:11 says:

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Full restoration doesn’t mean just tolerating people we disagree with. Is there someone in your family or circle of friends that you need to begin (or continue) the painful and difficult process of restoration and reconciliation?

If we are to be peacemakers, we need to encourage one another.

Look for the best in people and situations. Build up our family members, friends and co-workers. If we’re not building others up, we’re usually tearing them down! That means no gossip, but speaking truth in love!

How can we be of one mind when God created us so differently? Remember that one of the definitions of peace is harmony. Think about a choir singing in harmony: It requires many different parts all singing together in unison. It doesn’t mean we’re the same, but that we embrace our differences. We can have one mind because of our relationship with Jesus.

Peace in our homes, offices, and neighborhood begins with you and me! Years ago, a song was written by Sy and Jill Jackson Miller and often sang at Christmas. It beautifully communicates these thoughts:

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth

The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father, brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,

Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take

Let this be my solemn vow;

To take each moment and live

Each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.

May you experience the true peace of Christ in all of your relationships this Christmas!

Pastor Pam

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