Peace On Earth
2003 Advent Devotional Collection
Thursday, December 4
Readings for Today: Romans 1:7; II Thessalonians 3:16; Romans 5:1; Romans
14:19
"Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
In the Apostle Paul’s writings, he makes it very clear that the peace that we all seek here on earth comes only from God through hisson Jesus Christ. He also tells us that in order to receive or experience this peace we must have faith in him and do his work.
In our daily lives, we seek physical peace by escaping the
stress of our every day lives. We go to the ocean, the mountains, or other
enjoyable sites and find respite there. Unfortunately, the relief we find
there, however beneficial, is temporary and incomplete. The peace we seek
from God is a deep spiritual peace that is soul cleansing and brings us
joy that we cannot find through earthly means.
The peace that we seek through Jesus Christ is not something we find and
keep for ourselves. For this peace to exist, we must share it with others
and do for others as instructed in Romans 4:19. We, as Christians, share
the peace and joy with one another as one body in Christ.
“Peace on Earth” can be ours and it comes only by living our faith, reading the Bible daily and doing good for others as we are instructed in the Bible. As we enter the Christmas season, let us be guided by the first verse of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” (page 677 of our Church Hymnals) "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."
Prayer for Today:
Dear God, may the joy of the Christmas season be in us and in all that
we do. Guide us in our daily lives that we may do your work here on earth
and experience the peace and joy that comes only from you. Amen.
John G.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336