“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

Peace can be a difficult thing to find during the hectic pace of the holidays…which is both unfortunate and ironic. As we look forward to Christmas, we sing “peace on earth,” but practice the opposite. Whenever we have trouble finding peace, we can be certain our hearts are set in the wrong place. Peace that the world offers is always contrived and temporary. The peace that comes from Jesus Christ is permanent. He does not give the way the world gives. When Jesus gives us peace, it is His personal peace that is powerful and unending; “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). So if you are having trouble finding peace today, take a moment to step away from presents and parties and holiday plans, and bask in the peace of Jesus Christ which He freely offers all who come to Him.

Father, forgive us for searching everywhere but in You to find the peace and joy we so earnestly desire. Give us the wisdom and passion to find all we need in Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon <><