Promise Of Peace | December 5, 2024
Promise Of Peace | December 5, 2024
Fear never takes a holiday or a break. Like an unrelenting storm, fear seeks to overwhelm you with anxiety and stress. Regardless of your determination or intelligence, fear can take hold of you. Thankfully, God's gift of peace surpasses any fear or challenge that may threaten you.
Throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the Christmas narrative, we are reminded about God's refuge. The Christmas story highlights the blessing of the Lord's protection. About seven and a half centuries before Christ's birth, the prophet Isaiah foretold the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. This prophecy, however, did not come in a peaceful context; instead, it was given during an impending attack from Judah's enemies, even as it promised peace.
I
saiah 7:1-2 says, "This took place during the reign of Ahaz, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah king of Judah: Aram's King Rezin and Israel's King Pekah son of Remaliah went to fight against Jerusalem, but they were not able to conquer it. 2 When it became known to the house of David that Aram had occupied Ephraim, the heart of Ahaz and the hearts of his people trembled like trees of a forest shaking in the wind."
Judah faced the looming threat of destruction or, at best, captivity at the hands of its enemies. In this time of turmoil, God sent His prophet, Isaiah, to deliver a message of refuge and comfort. Initially, King Ahaz did not accept this comforting message. As a result, the Lord expanded the vision to include a distant future event: the birth of Christ.
Isaiah 7:13-14 says, "13...Listen, house of David!...14 The Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel."
God not only guaranteed His gracious protection in the present but also promised a future Messiah. The birth of Christ and the Christmas story promise peace.
Christmas is typically regarded as one of the most stressful times of the year in America. Parking lot altercations, traffic jams, rushing around, and relational tensions can easily strain our patience. The need for calmness during this season is evident and vital, especially for those experiencing grief, separation, illness, or financial hardship. Therefore, we must seek the calmness of Christ this Christmas.
May the promised Prince of Peace bring much-needed calmness to your spirit today and this holiday season.
Throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the Christmas narrative, we are reminded about God's refuge. The Christmas story highlights the blessing of the Lord's protection. About seven and a half centuries before Christ's birth, the prophet Isaiah foretold the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. This prophecy, however, did not come in a peaceful context; instead, it was given during an impending attack from Judah's enemies, even as it promised peace.
I
saiah 7:1-2 says, "This took place during the reign of Ahaz, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah king of Judah: Aram's King Rezin and Israel's King Pekah son of Remaliah went to fight against Jerusalem, but they were not able to conquer it. 2 When it became known to the house of David that Aram had occupied Ephraim, the heart of Ahaz and the hearts of his people trembled like trees of a forest shaking in the wind."
Judah faced the looming threat of destruction or, at best, captivity at the hands of its enemies. In this time of turmoil, God sent His prophet, Isaiah, to deliver a message of refuge and comfort. Initially, King Ahaz did not accept this comforting message. As a result, the Lord expanded the vision to include a distant future event: the birth of Christ.
Isaiah 7:13-14 says, "13...Listen, house of David!...14 The Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel."
God not only guaranteed His gracious protection in the present but also promised a future Messiah. The birth of Christ and the Christmas story promise peace.
Christmas is typically regarded as one of the most stressful times of the year in America. Parking lot altercations, traffic jams, rushing around, and relational tensions can easily strain our patience. The need for calmness during this season is evident and vital, especially for those experiencing grief, separation, illness, or financial hardship. Therefore, we must seek the calmness of Christ this Christmas.
May the promised Prince of Peace bring much-needed calmness to your spirit today and this holiday season.
Calendars
Crossroads Previous
Men's
Womens
Youth
Crossroads Church
December Upcoming Schedule
Posted in PEACE
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
May
June
Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
July
Refuse To Give UpTalk To God During Extreme TestingCelebrate FreedomDelivered From FearPut On Shame RepellentGod's Ears And Our TearsAngels Are In Your CornerTaste God's GoodnessBreak Free With HonestyGod Is Fully Aware Of Your AdversityWe Can Defeat WorryGetting Into A Peaceful State Of MindHealthy Fear Leads To BlessingTrust God To ProvideWellness And Your WordsChase Whatever God ApprovesAre Your Problems Backing You Into A Corner?What To Do When You Drift From God?Think About Releasing Your Stress Lord Direct Our PathPathway To BlessingLord Hear Our PrayerCommunicate Kindness
August
MindfulnessGuard Your MindDealing With Unjust CriticismOn Christ The Solid Rock I StandStop Going Against YourselfGood Decisions Require DiscernmentNegativity Equals Toxicity Listen MoreFlourishing In FaithActs Of Goodness Reverberates In Heaven Thank God It's Sunday (TGIS)Slow Down To Deal With StressKeep Praying For Your FamilyRescue-Me PrayersChoose Your Company WiselyTrust God's GuidanceGod's Mercy Will Never Run Out What To Do When You Drift From God?
No Comments