Approaching Christmas with Peace - Day 1Amy French - 6 Dec 2010

I can imagine the disciples were confused, scared out of their minds, and a little angry with Jesus when he said,

“You won’t be going where I’m going. This time, you can’t follow. And each of you will be scattered to his home.” Then the Son of God makes an interesting statement, “In the world you’ll have tribulation, but in Me you’ll have peace. Take heart I’ve overcome the world.”

It was as if Jesus was telling each of them, “I know you’re going to betray Me. I know you’re weak. I know you’re going to deny Me and run away. You’re going to leave Me alone in the garden to face this agony. But I’m telling you now, in Me you’ll have peace. You’re going to walk through some very difficult things: personal shame, disappointment, disillusionment. And you’re not going to understand everything, but remember…I have overcome. Remain in Me. Run to Me.”

Jesus was able to walk to the cross in complete victory over the world. He crucified pain, mental anguish, failure, and every sin anyone would ever commit to Himself. It’s with full authority that He says that in Him we have peace. Inside of Him there is a place reserved for us where nothing of this world can pollute or torment us.

I remember last year in Greece I had a little shaking in relationship to a few things, including finances. So I took half a day and just tuned into Him, praying and worshipping. That night at church I was sitting on the floor and I just felt a wave of peace rush through me. I remember breathing it in like it was a nice fragrance. It was something supernatural. My mind and heart was at rest even though my circumstance hadn’t really changed.  

During the storm, when Jesus calmed the wind and waves, He spoke peace to His circumstances. His surroundings changed because He was at peace. Even in the midst of intense trials or tribulations we can experience peace. It’s as if the Father opens the door to a secret room and invites us into His embrace. Psalm 31:20 says,

You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.

As we wait for Christmas, the celebration, the feast and the wonder of an incarnate God 24-7 Prayer will be posting a series of reflections to help us to wait well. We have asked friends from across the movement and around the world to creatively express themselves and focus us on the coming of Christ. This the 2nd week of advent explores Peace.  Follow along with the 24-7 Prayer 'Approaching Advent' Calendar.