“Regifting the Spirit of Christmas - PEACE”
Leading up to the Christmas Holidays, Monday Meditations will be exploring the Season of Advent and how we can use the act of “REGIFTING” to help us reflect and engage with the Spirit of Christmas.
Isaiah 9:1-7, Philippians 4:7
I don’t know about you, but I think of all the Christmas words, PEACE is the one that seems to be the most elusive. Traditionally, this season is a time of PEACE, however, it also has the opposite effect as it may bring unrest and discomfort to many people. In fact, PEACE, for many, is far removed from the Christmas experience.
Some may battle with loneliness at this time of year. Some have very heavy financial burdens. Others might be struggling to find a sense of purpose in their daily lives.
Vocabulary.com defines PEACE this way; “Peace is a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there's no fighting or war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom.”
Peace is the absence of conflict.
Q: Where do you currently have conflict… In business? In your personal life? In spirit?
I remember hearing the incredible story of the Christmas Truce of 1914. You may remember it as well, but if not, PBS.org explains part of the story this way:
“In early December an attempt was made to secure an official truce for the holidays. Pope Benedict XV had ascended to the papacy just a month after the outbreak of war, and on December 7 he issued an appeal to the leaders of Europe “that the guns may fall silent at least upon the night the angels sang.” Benedict hoped that a truce would allow the warring powers to negotiate a fair and lasting peace, but there was little interest from leaders on either side. This did not stop soldiers at the front from seizing the initiative, however, when outside events provided a path to the truce that their leaders had rejected. As December 25 approached, the constant soaking rain gave way to frost, and the battlefields of Flanders were blanketed with a light dusting of snow. German emperor William II contributed to the holiday atmosphere when he sent Tannenbaum (Christmas trees) to the front to bolster morale. On December 23 German soldiers began placing the trees outside their trenches. They sang hymns such as “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”), and voices from the Allied lines responded with Christmas carols of their own.”
What a beautiful image of what can happen when we call out to Christ. When we deliberately put our focus on Christ, the bringer of PEACE, things happen! There is silence and calm. Then praise. Then gratitude. He brings PEACE amidst chaos and turmoil.
Christmas is a time when the world symbolically celebrates the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It is a time that is synonymous with PEACE. Everyone knows that. Even Isaiah used the title “Prince of Peace” when he prophesied about the coming of the Messiah.
Take a moment and read about it in Isaiah 9:1-7.
God sent his Son, the Prince of Peace, to care for us. He removes conflict. Wherever he went, while he ministered, he sometimes brought peace by first removing conflict.
This story is not unlike something similar recorded in Mark 4:35-41. Reading a small part of Mark 4:35-41, we are reminded of what we are to do when we are caught in the storm. This passage says, “…‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
Consider these other peace-bringing actions of Jesus:
For the attendees at a wedding feast.
For the demon-possessed man.
For the family of a sick girl.
For the woman with a blood disorder.
For the multitude without food.
For the blind man and the leper.
And finally, to the cross, for all of us.
I believe PEACE starts with removing conflict where it exists.
At work…
At home…
In our spirit…
Philippians 4:7 sums up this message of PEACE in this way:
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s PEACE, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Q: In which specific areas do you currently need PEACE? To whom do you need to extend the message and action of PEACE?
This Christmas season, pause for a moment. Take a rest just long enough to experience a symbolic ceasefire of everything you are battling against. Join with your Corpath brothers and sisters and sing the collective phrases of “Silent Night” with full participation. Let the words be a statement of your recognition and acceptance of the Prince of Peace and all He has done for you. Think of unique ways to regift God’s PEACE this season.
PEACE BE WITH YOU… THIS CHRISTMAS!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I praise you for sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace to show us a better way. I thank you for already working to remove conflict around me. Think of unique ways to regift God’s PEACE this season. Show me those areas where I need to “ceasefire” and give peace to others. Amen.
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
