Draped across my kitchen window this Christmas are what I believe to be the two most powerful words spoken after the seemingly empty 400 years of silence. Fear not.
Each time the angel Gabriel appeared to announce the long-awaited birth of the Messiah, he spoke these words directly from the lips and presence of God Almighty.
Fear not.
Spoken directly to Zechariah, "Fear not, Zechariah." (Luke 1:13)
To Mary, "Fear not, Mary," (Luke 1:30)
To Joseph. "Joseph, son of David, fear not." (Matthew 1:20)
And to us. "Fear not, ____________." (Insert your own name.)
Having a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus, brings those powerful words to life. We can truly fear not because of God's indescribable peace. We don't have to live in fear of literally anything, especially death and uncertain times. His peace goes beyond all human understanding and we cannot logically explain it. Until you receive it, by grace through faith, you'll never "get it."
What a Christmas gift! The gift of peace. A gift we are all offered and can receive.
To receive requires the simple act of believing, and then, by faith, saying, "Yes" to God and His gift of salvation.
The peace spoken about in the Scriptures is a peace that manifests in our spirit. It's God's gift of settling, of calming us down. It creates a new mind-set of complete trust. Peace comes from trusting the One who is in complete control. Peace is knowing without a doubt that God is working in the heavenly realms, hidden from the human eye, for our good and His glory.
The cover of the Daily News the day after the latest terror shootings in California said, "GOD IS NOT FIXING THIS", with references to several presidential candidate's Twitter messages who had called on all who will to pray for our nation.
This just furthers the fact that those without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ many times respond to those who do with ridicule from hearts without hope, full of fear, and a lack of peace. Receiving God's greatest gift ever, salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, gives us the freedom to walk every day of this life in His presence. And, in His presence, there is peace.
Sure, we may not see the whole picture as God does, circumstances can be grim and dangerous, but we can rest in the hope that He is coming again. He will reign with truth and grace, and perfect peace forever and ever. Amen.
My Pleasure,
Melanie
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