“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6
I am late in getting this advent post up because I have literally been in bed sick with cold/flu as well as a bladder infection since last Monday. I am heading to the doctor tomorrow, but I am just now able to see through the fog a bit.
One of my favorite descriptions of Christ that we hear often during the holiday season is “Prince of Peace.” Jesus is the author of peace and gave His life on the cross and rose again so that we could experience His peace for eternity. What an amazing gift! Certain seasons of life can weigh you down, and everything around you can be a chaotic mess, but that is when God’s peace shines through the most.
Throughout my life I have read the phrase — “Peace beyond my understanding” that comes from Philippians 4 numerous times. However, over the past year I have truly understood that statement. Especially in the last few months. This past year has been the hardest of life. I feel like everything that I once knew has been stripped away. My health. My home. My job. Even my friendships have changed. I feel like nothing has remained the same — except for Jesus.
My favorite missionary, Amy Carmiachel, who was also bedbound for years made the statement, “In acceptance lieth peace,” and that has been the reminder I have needed lately. To clarify , this type of acceptance doesn’t mean for one to give up, it just means we should accept circumstances for today and and trusting a God to see you through. Trials are hard and they are even harder when there is no peace. I am now experiencing this peace in my life, and it is a miracle from God. Some of my hardest days have been some of my sweetest times with Jesus. Does this mean my circumstances have changed or that I don’t get emotional some days and cry out to God in the midst of my suffering? No, but this peace helps me to endure and to live each day with a sense of joy instead of bitterness.
In addition to healing my main prayer to God each day is that He gives my family and I peace. Being sick and under the care of Hospice I never know how things will Be from one day to the next so I want to live each day enjoying the time I have with family and not worrying about what is ahead.
During this Christmas season, I am thanking God for His peace that seems impossible to the world but possible through His son Jesus who was born of a virgin and would grow up to be the Savior of the world. I am more thankful and aware of this peace more than ever before and that has been the best gift I have ever received.
[clickToTweet tweet=”I would encourage you to make room for Christ in your life this week.” quote=”I would encourage you to make room for Christ in your life this week, and allow His peace to fill your heart and soul.”]
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