Peace On Earth
2003 Advent Devotional Collection
Tuesday, December 23
Reading for Today: Psalm 23:2-3
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
When you shop for Christmas cards does it seem to you that
some of the most beautiful of these cards feature pictures of woodland
meadows, barns, horse drawn sleighs, or some other rural scene? There
are always deer, or wild birds, trees and clean, unbroken snow? The message
may be “May the peace of the season be with you and yours” or
“Wishing you the peace of the season.” The cards imply that
a retreat from the world to a quiet spot will be the most satisfying gift
of all at the Christmas season.
For many people the Christmas season is anything but a quiet
retreat due to the additional activities and the demands we put on ourselves
in order to provide an enjoyable holiday for ourselves and for those we
care about. For many loneliness or illness may bring increased anxieties
that make the thought of a peaceful escape from the real world all the
more impossible.
I Peter 5:7 tell us, “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” This is the greatest gift that we can have at Christmas or at any time. Our Lord Jesus came to earth to live among us and to forgive our sins. He will bear our burdens because he loves us.
Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, as we prepare our hearts and minds at this special time of the year, let us remember those who are suffering and searching for peace of mind. We pray that we will extend our hands to assist them in every way that we are able. Thank you for the many blessings you have provided for us, and for the peace of mind that we receive when we place our faith and trust in you. As we depart our beautiful house of peace and worship, may we go with a song in our hearts; ‘Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.’ In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Mike & Carole H.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336