Take time to reflect on the Prince of Peace
Love came down at Christmas: In spite of the commercialisation of Christmas, the overwhelming truth remains, Jesus Christ was born to bring peace and hope Pic by Indika Handuwala
A baby claims our attention every Christmas season; one born in a manger more than 2000 years ago – the baby Jesus. We know enough about Him to realize that the meaning of His life is crucial to meaning in our lives. The one who was laid in a manger, the one who was destined for the cross. A baby that would bring victory out of defeat, joy out of sorrow, blessing out of despair. In all humility, He stoops to come as mortal man . Can man forget this story?
As Warren Wiesbe so beautifully puts it, “This child would grow up and one day take the government of mankind upon His shoulder, and bring order and peace to a world filled with confusion and war. But before taking the government upon His shoulder, He would first take a cross upon His shoulder and then die upon that cross,bearing in His body, the sins of the world. Before He could wear the diadem of glory as King of Kings, He had to wear a shameful crown of thorns, and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.”
Mark these words. “He comes to bring order and peace to a world filled with confusion and war.” This island home of ours is filled with confusion just now.What are we doing about it? Are we sufficiently storming heaven to grant us a lasting peace?
We all need what Bethlehem gave to the world, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. This Christmas season let us believe in Him, not just as a baby, but also as the crucified and risen Saviour.
Have you experienced the sound of silence? Surprisingly, many of our well loved carols speak of silence. Have you wondered why? “The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.” “How silently, how silently, the wondröus gift is given.” Why do the authors speak of silence? Because of the awe with which they regard the miracle of Christ’s nativity. When the angels appeared to the shepherds , announcing the birth of Christ, and a host of angels sang the praises of God, they arose and went to Bethlehem. When they reached the manger, they understood this was no ordinary birth , and they were stunned to silence,we are told.
And what of the Magi? Why did they endure a long and hazardous journey to find the Christ Child? They were genuine givers. They gave Him gifts appropriate for a king. Gold, frankincense and myrrh. “Not what we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare’. (James Russell Lowell )
In spite of destruction and bitterness and commercialization and religious disputes and modern war, the overwhelming truth remains , Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary in a lowly stable. Cards, gifts and food are important if we love people , but not as important as making ready for Advent. Of course, if we focus on the shopping, the presents, the tree, and all the trappings of Christmas, I suppose it would be easy to be quiet about the real story of Christmas. But if the story is important to us,we should love to tell it.
The essence of the angelic announcement was, “Unto you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ the Lord”. There are two responses to this glorious news . You can tell this story to others; that is what the shepherds did, or you can ponder the events of Christmas in your heart. That is what Mary did. We should do both.