This is one of my favorite Christmas stories. It is not a story about the Christ of Christmas. It is a story about the Power of Christmas and of the Peace of Christmas.
The King James Bible translates Luke 2:14 to read: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men."
Later scholars have believed that this is better translated to mean: "...peace on earth towards men of good will." or "...and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests." NIV
Often times men of good will find themselves at odds with each other due to circumstances that seem to be out of their control. Perhaps governments or religious beliefs, perhaps social status or even languages or customs cause misunderstandings between people that would get along just fine otherwise. And so, peace is difficult to find. Sometimes it seems that if we could remove ourselves from the situation, we would find much of ourselves in those that oppose us. There are often more similarities than differences.
This story took place almost a hundred years ago...Christmas, 1914. It took place on the front lines of a war that was ravaging the countrysides all across Europe...World War I.
For nearly two days, soldiers from opposing armies set aside their weapons, buried their dead, exchanged gifts of cigarettes and food, sang Christmas carols and enjoyed the Peace of Christmas.
But then, governments imposed their wills once again. The truce ended and the war resumed.
If only the Power and the Peace of Christmas could have their way in the hearts of men of good will every day of the year. The world would be a much better place.
My wish for you this Christmas is Peace.
If you are grieving or in despair, I wish you comfort...and Peace.
If you are struggling with family or finance, I wish you contentment, prosperity...and Peace.
If the pressures of life are becoming too burdensome, I wish you rest...and Peace.
What ever your struggle, I pray that you will pause from the battle long enough to experience the Peace that can only be found in the Power of Christmas.
Enjoy the story...enjoy the Peace of Christmas.
Tomorrow...the song that was inspired by the story.
John
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3 comments:
"Peace of Christmas" - Pray to God for that one.
Philippians chapt. 4 outlines how the Lord Jesus gives peace of heart to believers. Verse 7 ztates the peace of God passes all understanding and keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (I paraphrased)
It's tough to hold out for peace when so many seem to want just pieces. I guess we'll just have to go on dreaming.
vw: digoot - not quite as good as dibetter.
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