When I think of the title, "Peace on Earth" it makes me laugh a bit. Have you heard this statement, "If only we could go back to January or February of this year!" It seems that no matter where you look (news sites, news stations, news feeds, social media etc.) nothing is really getting much better.
Can I see a raise of hands of who is tired of COVID? I am guessing that many of us would raise our hands on this. Regardless of where you stand on this issue it is something that has effected all of us. I was reading a sobering fact just the other day. "In a study of about 1,500 teens, 7 out of 10 kids reported that they were struggling with anxiety, 43% dealt with depression, and 45% had felt more stress than usual." How sad, right?
This year, across the board, mental health and stress has risen within students and adults alike. It is sometimes very hard to see the Peace that Christ can bring. But here are a few ways that we can participate in the Peace that Christ offers:
1) Receive His Peace - In this season we see so much temporary peace through charity giving, nice things being done, giving and getting a gift. But real peace only comes from Christ. So, make sure you focus this season on the one who brings everlasting peace.
John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, But take heart; I have over come the world."
2) Replace Anxiety/Worry with Thanksgiving - With all that is going on in our lives it is easy to get down in a rut. But one of the best ways to handle it is to replace our worry and struggles with Thanksgiving. Take time to write out what Christ has done for you and is doing for you.
Philippians 4:6-7, "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your request be made know to God."
3) Pray, Pray, Pray - We have such a great gift, opportunity and privilege of going to the Creator of all the cosmos in prayer. We can go to him with boldness and assurance with our concerns and find rest in Him. When all else seems uncertain he is truly Certain.
1 Peter 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
As we move forward through all of this remember who our Lord and Savior is. The hope and peace that we can find in him!
Until next time,
Pastor Shawn