Usually signs in front of churches have very simple messages like “Jesus is Lord” (“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” Mt 7). But there is a church sign near us which has a refreshing level of biblical specificity; it says:

“The peace of Christmas fills the hearts of those who follow God.”

We celebrate Christ’s coming to earth, and peace on earth – but did Christ come to bring peace?

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Mt 10

Then, did he not come to bring peace at all? He came to bring peace – to those who follow God. This condition is vital.

“it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these” Ex 14

This is why when we sing the Wexford Carol, we alter a line: “the Lord of Life, who came on earth to end all strife”, and say instead: “to end our strife”. Because there is strife he came on earth to end – but most certainly according to Scripture we cannot say he came to end “all strife” by any means – he himself specifically and directly casts out such an idea in emphatic terms.

So remember, if we would receive the peace of Christmas, we must humble ourselves, submit to Yahweh’s commandments and his ways, and obey, obey, obey.

“They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” Mt 12, “Walk humbly with thy God” Micah 6.

#SabbathPosts 2023/12/23