“Question – ‘What do you want for Christmas?'”
December 25, 2024
I’ve yet to meet a Mom who has not attempted to escape into the bathroom to have five minutes of peace from her family. According to the book, “Five Minutes’ Peace”, even non-human moms, elephants in this case, have tried this strategy. The storyline in this book describes a mommy who needs a little time out from her energetic children. However, her escape is thwarted by her three children who follow her into the bathroom and disrupt her peace.
Peace is something most of us desire and usually for a longer time frame than a few minutes. My pat answer to the question, “What do you want for Christmas?”, has always been, “Peace on earth!” More often than not, friends and family have gifted me a glass ornament with a world map and the word “peace” etched on it. Those gifts were creative responses and the best that anyone could do within their power to wrap up my request for peace.
In an increasingly chaotic world, the pursuit of peace is more relevant than ever. Whether in our personal lives, our communities, or on a global scale, the quest for tranquility resonates deeply with the human experience. How can we find and cultivate it in our lives?
We can find peace in Mary’s firstborn son, Jesus, who was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger (Luke 2:7), and who is referred to as the “Prince of Peace” in Isaiah 9:6 –
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponhis shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This title highlights several aspects of how Jesus is the Prince of Peace. First, He makes spiritual peace possible between man and God. Because He became the sacrificial lamb for our sins, believers can have reconciliation with God and experience forgiveness.
Secondly, Jesus offers inner peace that goes beyond external circumstances. According to Philippians 4:7, God is the ultimate source of peace. Paul writes –
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This verse highlights a profound truth – God’s peace does not depend upon our circumstances. His peace transcends our understanding and guards our hearts amidst turmoil.
Thirdly, Jesus promotes peace among people as His teachings encourage love, compassion, forgiveness, and living harmoniously with one another. He emphasized loving our neighbors and even our enemies so we can foster a sense of community and reconciliation.
Finally, and most importantly as we celebrate Christmas, Jesus offers a future hope of peace. His second coming will usher in a kingdom of peace where justice, harmony, and the absence of suffering will prevail.
Peace can be wrapped up after all, in the person of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Worldly peace is often fleeting and based on external factors, but the peace offered by Christ is deep, enduring, and everlasting. Much longer than five minutes of peace and with no interruptions! In Christ, I have truly received what I ALWAYS want for Christmas!