An Ordinary Day

“For unto you is born this day…” (Luke 2 verse 11) It happened on a day. A day in history. It was a day that had been planned in eternity before the creation of the world. It happened on a day. The perfect day appointed by God before the foundation of the world.

“…in the city of David.” It happened in a city. The city still exists today. The city of Bethlehem. (Luke 2:4, “Joseph also went up from Galilee…to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.”) Bethlehem was about six miles from Jerusalem. It happened in a city.

“…a savior…” “For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior.” Into the world on that day in that particular city, God sent His eternal Son of God into the world. Because only God can forgive sins against God, a Savior was born.

“…who is Christ…” Christ is the English word for Christos which means anointed one. This is the one long-awaited, predicted, the one above all others. In Him all the promises of God are manifested. He would fulfill all the hopes and dreams and so much more. Because He is also

“…the Lord…” “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

That statement is perhaps the most important statement to remember as this year ends, and we celebrate the holy day of Christmas. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

It is difficult to wrap our minds around the peace that God wants us to enjoy when we look around us each day, but I think God wants us to pursue that peace. Peace with God. Peace with ourselves. And peace with other people. When I have truly felt God’s Peace, it is a presence of joyful tranquility, a richness. It is much more than just the absence of conflict and animosity.

When Jesus appeared to his disciples on Sunday evening, the evening of His resurrection, the first thing He said to them was, “My peace I give you.” (John 14:27) The peace of God, the peace of Christ, cannot be separated from God Himself or Christ Himself. God must rule in our lives. God wants to give us His peace by being the most precious person in our lives. And peace comes when we believe and trust in the promises God has made. “May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” (Romans 15:13) The way God’s promises become real for us and produce peace for us is when we believe them with our hearts and our minds.

To have peace with God is foundational to all our pursuits of peace. Any anger God could have had with us because of our sin is put away. Our rebellion against Him is overcome. We are adopted into God’s family. All His dealings with us are for our good. He is our Father and also our friend. We don’t need to fear anymore.

Because we have peace with God, we can begin to grow in peace with ourselves. We don’t have to feel paralyzed by any sense of guilt or anxiety that makes life seem hopeless. Here again, believing the promises of God in our lives is key.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Our hearts and minds are bombarded on a daily basis by worries, guilt, confusion, uncertainties, threats. But God wants to guard our hearts and our minds with His peace in a way that goes beyond human comprehension. Don’t limit the peace of God by what you can see or what you think. Trust Him as our loving and understanding Father to help us, steady us, and protect us from the disabling effects of fear, anxiety, and guilt. Do that throughout this Christmas season. Take all you anxieties to God. Ask Him to help you, protect you, and to restore your peace.

Sometimes when we get together at this time of year with family or friends there can be some awkward or painful relationships. In some of those situations we know exactly what to do, but there are also those circumstances in which we feel baffled and don’t know what the path of peace calls for. I think the key again is trust the promises of God we know in our minds and hearts. We cannot trust our emotions at times like this. Perhaps Ephesians 4:31-32 puts this together in a powerful way. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Keep being amazed that in spite of all your sins God has forgiven you through Christ. Be amazed that you can have peace with God. You can have peace in your soul.

Keep trusting God. He is in control, and He knows what He is doing. Keep glorifying Him in your heart.

“For unto us is born this day in the city of David, a savior, who is Christ the Lord.” And may the God of Peace grant you peace as we give Him all the Glory.

Blessings to all of you during the Christmas season and as 2023 comes to an end. I am glad we walked together through this year and look forward to next year and where we will be led by our Lord and our Savior.