For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV
The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the gift of God to the world. Like communion, we celebrate Christmas in remembrance of Him. Allowing Christmas to become a season filled with pressure and anxiety governed by human expectations, real and perceived, is to fall short of the miracle God has given to us in Jesus.
Peace is not just tranquility, it is the result of being one with Him. It is wholeness, the prosperity of spirit, soul and body which He has provided in the redemption of our lives. It is absolute well being, and is always and only found in Him.
He is the Prince of Peace.
Jesus speaks to the storms of our soul and says, “Peace be still.”
Jesus reminds us to come to Him when we are weary and heavy burdened because He gives us rest for our souls.
Jesus is the good Shepherd who leads us to quiet waters of rest and green pastures that restores our souls.
In all our celebrating, we are remembering how our lives have been so richly and abundantly blessed through our relationship through Jesus with the Father. It is this position of thankfulness that opens our hearts to freely and cheerfully give. To share from the abundance of our lives in blessing others is the true spirit of Christmas and the character of God. Therefore, we like our Father, love to give.
However when giving becomes an obligation and we operate from a place of pressure, grudgingly doing the expected thing, well that’s a heart issue we have to sort until we are able to give freely and without grudging.
We will always find three arenas of relationships competing for our focus.
Requirements we make upon ourselves.
Requirements others put upon us.
Requirements the Lord assigns.
The only thing actually required is to OBEY HIM. Where that plays out in everyday circumstances continually demands that He is involved enough in our daily routine that we are being led by Him only. 1 Peter 2:9 from the Message Bible, “Life is a journey best travelled with a deep conscience of God.” We follow after Peace. We are vitally united to the Prince of Peace and our ways our filled with the fruit of peace.
This Christmas, and all year, we can live from our Spirits as they are directed by Him enjoying His peace that passes all understanding. We can give freely and generously with a peace that comes from oneness with Him, confident we are living and walking out His purposes for the day and being the blessing He lives through.