Famous books proudly display the word on their cover and job titles proclaim its importance. Weary mothers beg for it, and some receive accolades for their efforts toward securing the concept.

War and Peace. Justice of the Peace. Peace and quiet. Nobel Peace Prize.

Five letters comprise the simple word, but the essence of peace eludes most of us. We chase after it, hoping to discover the answer within ourselves, a political leader, lover, or an alluring pastime.

At the time of Christ’s birth, the Jewish people craved peace, as well. Thrust repeatedly into hardship and subjugation, they lived beneath the boot of an oppressive dictatorship. Religious scholars, familiar with scripture, knew the words of Isaiah 11:10; 12:

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.

But the babe in the manger was neither heralded as King by the religious Pharisees–those who believed they were righteous because they lived a good-enough life nor by most people in the small town of Bethlehem. They were too busy seeking peace and quiet to realize the Prince of Peace lay within reach.

Instead, Peace was announced to simple men willing to listen and receive the message. Broken, imperfect people who knew their need of a Savior.

This week, I plan to slow my pace, pause, and meditate on this heavenly birth announcement from Isaiah 9:6,

Read and Reflect

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.”

Friend, do you need peace today? I encourage you to read the scripture above by inserting your name in place of the prepositions us. The Prince of Peace was born for me. He was born for you. Christ is the Peace for whom we are seeking. It is found in no one and nothing else.

His Name Shall Be by Matt Redman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWzLWNxh8fE

Peace and grace,

Tammy

Mondays   Mandy and Michele/ Inspire Me Monday/Anita Ojeda

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Tammy Kennington

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