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PROGRAM D-7999
Sometimes we find that we have lost the peace in our lives, so I want to remind you of this wonderful truth we have as Christ-followers: Jesus himself is our peace. He condescended to take on human flesh, even as a baby in a humble setting, so that he could bring peace to our troubled lives. Let’s look at Ephesians 2:13-18:
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
As we have enjoyed our Christmas celebrations, let us please remember the reason Jesus was born—to bring us peace. He came to reconcile us to God through the cross, not through the manger in Bethlehem. It’s nice to remember his virgin birth and incarnation, as we’ve done during the Christmas season but, apart from the cross, his birth is powerless. He came to make peace through the cross, through his death and resurrection.
For those of us who have accepted his freely-offered redemption, we now have peace because we have Jesus, who is our peace. We who were far away—who had no peace in our lives, who were in bondage to sin—have been brought near, so near that we can enter into his throne room and have fellowship with God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.
Remember to thank God for the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ! And if you don’t yet know the peace he offers, you can do so by repenting of your sins and accepting his peace as your own.