December 14, 2018

There’s a fight going on in our house right now.  A fight over the remote control.

Hubs wants to watch the news and I only want the Hallmark channel.  Anybody else in the boat with me?

I usually want to be informed about what is going on in the world.  I want to be a good citizen and I faithfully pray for our country and our leaders.  My heart goes out to those who are suffering from the results of fire, flooding, and wars.

But during this time of the year, it just seems too much.  My mind wants to go to a happy place.  A place where there is snow and mistletoe and lots of smiling with only a touch of angst until the beautiful ending and all is right with the world.

Sigh. . .

I don’t feel like I’m asking too much, really.  Hubs gets a good nap on the couch while my mind is free from the stresses of reality.

Peace on Earth.  Good will to men.  Hmm. . .   Beautiful words that we sing this time of year.

Actually, they were the words the angels said to the shepherds when Jesus’ birth was announced.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

The focus is on God.  His glory.  His favor.  This is in stark contrast to the news we hear everyday about the world around us.

The world is all about themselves and tearing everyone else down.  The world shakes an angry fist and demands its own way.  The world only offers a fake peace and happiness that satisfies for a while and then leaves people feeling empty and confused.

If only.  If only we would look to the true source of peace – God’s son who left the glory of heaven to reduce himself to a mere human by being born to a poor mother in a depressed area with nothing to offer her son but love.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born with no human fanfare.  The angelic announcement of His birth was given to poor shepherds on the outskirts of town.

The best story ever had no snow or mistletoe.  It started with only three things.  The faithfulness of the Son of God, the obedience of a God-fearing earthly mother,  and the promise of peace from the tyranny of sin to those who believe.

This amazing story has every plot twist and breath-catching scene I could imagine.  Actually, beyond what I could imagine.  And the best part – it’s a true story.  Every bit of it planned and directed by our Heavenly Father.

Even more amazing is that it was for our benefit and our salvation.  How could I not be mesmerized by it all.   There was no mistletoe and snow but there was God’s love for me.  It’s personal.  We might celebrate a holiday and enjoy the festivities but it’s hollow if I don’t recognize the reason for it all.

God’s love sent down, in lowly form, to take the punishment for my sin when I wasn’t able to do so.  An amazing story with a beautiful ending and I get to be a part of it.

Lord, I have no words.  There aren’t enough words to describe my thankfulness for what you have done for me.  How could you love me enough, with all of my sin, to come to earth and pay the penalty for all of my sins?  I certainly don’t deserve this.  Help me to stay focused on you during this time of the year when everything wants to pull my thoughts in other directions.  Help me to have peace on this earth because I am focused on the Prince of Peace.  I love you, Lord.