Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Can you guess which beloved Christmas carol contains these refrained lyrics below? Written hundreds of years ago, we still echo the words in unison written by a humble priest named Joseph Mohr.
Sleep in heavenly peace;
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Christ, the Savior is born!
Christ, the Savior is born!
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Mohr was raised without a father and without wealth, but anchored in Christ, he lived a life of the greatest love and riches. It has been said that he died with only a guitar to his name, yet his love for Jesus was penned in song and reminds us all of a silent and holy night when peace was born on earth. Immanuel. God with us.
We may celebrate Christmas one time of the year, but we can experience heavenly peace each and every day. Life’s circumstances aren’t always calm and bright, but I’ve learned to look for Jesus in the midst of the craziness, and seek His peace that surpasses all understanding. We can have God’s peace at all times and in every way because our source is the Lord of peace Himself.
The Christmas nativity scene we celebrate reminds us of the holy night when heavenly peace came to dwell with man. Our Savior, Jesus Christ is the hope and peace for our world, if only the world would turn to receive Him. Jesus is that peace we crave for our eternity and we need in our daily life. His peace still exists for you and me today. Christ, the Savior is born! He is the Prince of Peace.
You’ve probably guessed it by now…the lyrics above are from the carol, Silent Night. As you sing this song and other cherished music of Christmas, let the words become a prayer of your heart.
As we celebrate this year, let us also make time to rest. As we love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, let us not forget to let His heavenly peace into each of those areas of our life. Where is your heart hurting? Where is your mind spinning? Where is your spirit aching? Where is your physical body weary? Will you let the Lord wash you anew in His Holy peace, power, and presence this day?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ to pierce the world with Your heavenly peace and redeeming love. Let me rest in your great love and join in the angel chorus of praise this day. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Luke 2:11: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.