Author: astherainandsnow

“A man gave a great banquet and invited many.  At the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’  But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ The master said, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.  For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’” Luke 14:16-24

As He enjoyed a meal at the house of a Pharisee ruler, Jesus took full advantage of the setting to teach about lavish feasts and not so savory attitudes. By parables and questions, He engaged the attendees’ minds to reveal their hearts. He exposed their stuffed self-importance and appetite for being with the ‘right’ crowd. He made a spread of responsibilities they considered more important than Him- good things all, but not ultimate things. What He offered was far superior than the finest and tastiest and most urgent of the world, and would alone satisfy the soul, yet they habitually sought being sated elsewhere. What they failed to see was that declining God’s banquet was regretting His invitation altogether and refusing His open blessing. (Luke 14:1,7-15)

In the hubbub of life, the pressures of work, possessions, and relationships are real. Yet it is into these very places important to us that Jesus longs to abide. He offers the sustenance of His wisdom and insight, the strength of His Spirit’s presence and joy. We short-sightedly rebuff His invitations, thinking there will be a better time, and actually relinquish divine opportunity. (Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:1-3; Isaiah 33:6; Zechariah 4:6)

Our Lord Jesus daily prepares and arranges for us a lavish feast, manna from His word, discernment, direction, and comfort from His communion with our spirits. Are we regularly partaking? What do we find more pressing than supping with our Savior? What excuses do we recite in attempt to justify prideful urgencies, casual loitering or lazy lingering at lesser tables? Do we rotely ask for His provision, yet refuse to expend the effort to come to the table? To remain salty we must continually dine with the Father and taste His goodness. (Exodus 16:12-16; Psalm 34:8; Isaiah 55:1-3; Matthew 6:11; Luke 14:34-35)

“How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.” ~Phillips Brooks (1868)

Lord, keep me coming to Your divine banquet for daily nourishment and ongoing cause for Your praise.

“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions, having a very great retinue and camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind.  And Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from Solomon that he could not explain to her.  And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,  the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.

“And she said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom,  but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard... Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the Lord your God! Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness.’  Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones.” 2 Chronicles 9:1-6,8-9

The Queen of Sheba was famous in her own right, owning notable position and possessions, but her visit to King Solomon exposed a royally uneven match. She arrived with a fancy retinue and gifts of great value, and soon realized all paled in comparison to this sovereign. Indeed, beholding the variety of ways the Lord God had delighted in and gifted this king left her gaping eyes sparkling and regal mouth gasping for air. Wisdom, knowledge, abundance, order, beauty, devotion surpassed her imagining and reflected the indescribable love of a transcendent God, and she was overcome. Only praise and lavish offering would do as her rightful, unbidden response.

She came because she heard. She inquired because he answered. She beheld because he revealed, and she believed because she was overwhelmed with the reality that was this king. And all she could do was humbly exalt, and offer her best. How about us?

How curious are we about the things and ways and person of King Jesus? He is knowable. What time do we take to inquire at His feet and from His word? He is available. How attentive are we to His riches of wisdom and insight, blessings of grace and love, provisions of order and direction? He supplies all, and in abundance. And when we do see God anew, receive fresh insights, discover unimagined excellencies, how do we respond? Increased faith, deeper love and fear, richer worship, fuller surrender? We can never outdo or outgive Jesus. (2 Chronicles 9:12; Luke 10:38-42)

Lord, keep me listening, and coming to Thee in expectancy. Take my breath away. Empty me of self and its limited vision, and fill me with Your Spirit of wonder, grace, and wisdom, so You are seen and Your greatness is praised.

“That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus,.. talking with each other about all these things that had happened… Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He said to them, ‘What is this conversation..?’ One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’  And he said to them, ‘What things?’ And they said to him, ‘Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers… crucified him… It is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company… were at the tomb early in the morning, and… came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive… He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

“So they drew near to the village to which they were going… They urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us…’  When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’” Luke 24:13-23,25-32

It is a mystery why and how these did not recognize Jesus- we can assume that they certainly did not expect to see Him, and that His resurrected appearance was changed. But as they walked and talked and listened to His teaching and shared fellowship with Him, their eyes were opened. The embers that had begun to warm their hearts during initial conversation on the road fanned into full flame through ongoing communion, and they remembered. Over the moments and hours, He became once again familiar. (Luke 24:37-39; John 20:14)

We may face troubles and responsibilities that block us from recognizing Jesus. The hurt is so grave, the weight so heavy, the confusion so disconcerting, the time so jam-filled, that we scarcely take a thought for how He might be present. But He graciously pursues His own. In the midst of the fury of emotion, consternation, and suffering, He makes Himself known in small yet significant ways. Would we heed the prod of His heat and welcome Him? (Daniel 3:19-27)

What am I investing in prayer, study, and attention to recognize the voice of Jesus? Are my ears attuned to His peace, direction, warning? Are my eyes opened to His presence in the breaking of bread, the working of daily miracles that He puts on display? Would we commit to respond to His gifts of conviction and inspiration so we don’t miss out on all He has for us? (Psalm 34:8; 119:18; Matthew 14:16-21; 26:26)

Lord, keep my heart burning for You, that I fully recognize and receive the fire You give and are, to the outworking of your plans and praise of your glory. (Zechariah 2:5)

“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God… Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth…

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good… 

Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.” 3 John 1-6,8,11a,15

John had a special understanding of love- he’d observed and received Jesus’s love first-hand, and had a God-given nature to ponder and process such excellencies. A significant aspect of his ministry was to stir up the implementation of Christian love among the believers. Tucked into his epistles are nuggets of affection that would be received gladly and serve as examples going forth. (John 10:11; 15:13; 19:23-27; 1 John 3:16-18; Revelation 1:5b-6)

Filled with Christ-fueled love, John addressed fellow believers as beloved because that was who they were! Love for them begat prayerful concern for their health of body and soul. It spilled over in joy at their growing faith, and encouragement for their meaningful and sacrificial work among the saints. It necessitated warning and admonition in care for their purity and spiritual protection. And it brought peace and benediction. John was their friend, and not only communicated as such in word and deed, but stoked flames of friendship among the churches. (1 John 3:1)

How about us? Living and breathing love begins with grasping Christ’s love for us. Once we have been captivated by the love of Christ, we are constrained to exhibit and express that love for others. It becomes a palpable part of who we are and how we operate. (2 Corinthians 5:14-20)

What language of love are we using? Do we know others well enough to speak with words they understand and need, with discernment and boldness? What in our actions reminds them they are beloved, and assures them that we love them in and with the truth of God? How intentionally, how well do we care for their condition? Are we quick to meet practical needs and give what it takes to build up their souls? What time and effort do we exert to support, encourage, and even admonish fellow believers for their good? Does being in our presence bring them peace and a sense of being welcomed and blessed by a friend? (Romans 12:9-13,15-18; Colossians 3:12-16)

Learning how to be a loving friend comes from knowing Christ as friend, asking Him to develop that fruit of His Spirit in us, and practicing its outworking. What will we do to greet friends today? (John 15:15; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13; Galatians 5:22)

Father God, please so keep me in Your love that I naturally, persistently, bountifully love others with Your grace, to the praise of my Savior. (Jude 21-23)

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:2-8,10

Peter’s benediction and urging are borne of his being possessed and possessing. He is a servant of Jesus Christ by way of the Lord’s possessing him, and in that union he knows a faith and inspiration of the Spirit that have been supernaturally implanted. What he owns by divine power he wants to impart by that same power that all may be partakers of the divine nature. He would make every effort to make known the power of the Lord Jesus Christ so they would be able to practice His nature. (2 Peter 1:16)

What Peter has learned by practice, having persevered himself through impulsiveness and denial to a growing spiritual maturity, He imparts to his readers. God’s grace had been multiplied to him over the years, richly sowing truth into the eager, willing soil of his heart to beget vibrant faith and fruitfulness. He knew the process: keep supplementing, keep adding, keep growing, keep practicing. He works into the believer divine power that transforms the flesh nature. He works through ongoing exercise of applied faith and knowledge to bring forth rich and multiplying fruits of the Spirit. (Matthew 16:15-23; Luke 22:54-62; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23)

What difference has the power of the Holy Spirit made in my life- in my desires, thoughts and attitudes, speech and expenditures and activities, my very nature? Am I increasingly more loving to the unlovable, more patient, joyful, self-controlled? Do I worry less because I have more peace, and criticize less because I am more kind? If I have accepted the gift of God’s grace unto true peace with God, these realities should be obvious, significant, and measurable in my demeanor and actions. The divine power of God in me necessarily works out His divine nature. What evidence is there that He is present, and vibrant? (Numbers 6:24-26; Romans 5:1-5)

“Finish, then, thy new creation; 
true and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation 
perfectly restored in thee.
Changed from glory into glory, 
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee, 
lost in wonder, love and praise.” ~Charles Wesley (1747)

Father, by Your power in me form Your nature and increasing fruit, that Your praises be multiplied.

“One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they set out,  and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.  And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.  He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?'” Luke 8:22-25

It was an ordinary day for these fishermen disciples. The shore, waters, and traversing of the Sea of Galilee were familiar, as was the lull to drowsiness by its lapping waves. And so were its storms. But this one day became an unforgettable day that Jesus wanted them to remember every day. He the Omniscient had suggested the crossing, and the band of brothers set out in the boat together. When ordinary jibing hit unexpected turbulence which upended unreasonable fear, the Omnipotent awoke and spoke.

Jesus did the extraordinary by rebuking the storm, then asked where was the disciples’ faith. While this particular moment would stand out and cause them to marvel, He wanted them to see that what had seemed a test of acumen and physical might was really a test of their confidence in Him. In every storm, at every sudden turmoil and temptation to panic, He was still Master of all. He who had led them into this storm was with them by His power during the storm, even when they felt that because He was asleep, He was uncaring, uninvolved.

As we go about daily duties, hopefully led by the Lord in our dealings, interactions, and decisions, we often meet unforeseen challenges. Unanticipated storms of disruption pelt us with difficulties, doubt, and discouragement. Overwhelmed by circumstances, we might think God has abandoned us because we cannot see for all the blinding wind and spitting waves. But He is nigh!

Are we alert to the Lord’s active presence in our ordinary? Do we pause from busyness and constant fretting to trace His hand of grace, His loving presence glistening in conversations and small actions and insights of the soul? Jesus has a way of turning everyday life into exercises in learning and stretching our faith. Would we invite Him into each day He has made to transform them into the day in which He works His glory? Not knowing what a day brings forth, would we expect Him to come and invite Him to have His way?

“Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.” ~Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Lord God, please grace my every day with the glories of Your character and expression of Your extraordinary ways. Be so evident in my routine activities that others marvel and ask who You are, that You might be known and praised.

“Solomon purposed to build a temple for the name of the Lord… The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him?”

“Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the Lord was finished…

“Then Solomon assembled the elders and… the leaders…  And all the singers… [made] themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving… When the song was raised, with… musical instruments, in praise to the Lord,

‘For he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever,’

the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”

“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel… He knelt… and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart… You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day…

“’But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!” 2 Chronicles 2:1a,5-6; 5:1-2,13b-14; 6:12-15,18

Mighty was this God, and good, to promise David a forever kingdom. Faithful was this God, and trustworthy, to raise up Solomon David’s son to continue the line. Glorious was this God, and kind, to oversee the temple’s construction and fill it with His glory. And now that it was completed, Solomon recognized that the everlasting God who had called him was still the limitless God who reigned over all. The One who sovereignly designed the temple could not be contained by its walls.

A marvelous mystery of God is that He indeed dwells among us, yet cannot be contained. His grace is not limited by our need, nor His power by our weakness. His light is greater than darkness, His wisdom exceeds our imagining, His peace reaches beyond comprehension. (Psalm 139:7-12; Philippians 4:7)

Our actions betray what we really believe. We sing of God’s power, yet cower before the enemy and fret over what we cannot control. We claim God is love, yet nurse shame and feel unworthy to approach Him. We proclaim His grace and rotely thank Him for blessings, yet complain and blame with constant whine. Why do we contain Him in fabricated boxes of doubt and view Him as smaller than He is? Have we failed to praise Him for who He is?

When will we change our mindset about ourselves and our issues, and practice beholding and exulting in the uncontainable, unchanging, unlimited God? Would we confess flesh priorities, worries, and fears, and relinquish our grip to the mighty hands of God? Daily offer self as a living sacrifice, and watch Him work as only He can do! (2 Chronicles 7:1-4; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 12:1-2)

Lord, may I daily exalt Your attributes and trust them wholly!

“False teachers will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master.., bringing upon themselves swift destruction. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. In their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation… is not idle,.. especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

“Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme… [They] will be destroyed…, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing… They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions… They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed… Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray…

“For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. Speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh.”

“The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. The day of the Lord will come… and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

“Since these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness!.. Be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace… Take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 2:1-3a,10,12-15,17-18; 3:9-11,14,17-18

The contrast Peter sets out could not be more clear. Aware of the culture’s conflicting versions of ‘truth,’ he vividly describes those enslaved by sin and those free in Christ. Mindset, choices, and behavior distinguish the rebel from the saved. He gives both warning and encouragement, graced with the patience, love, and mercy of Jesus, to help his readers daily choose how they’ll live.

We too are bombarded with varied versions of what is right. Scripture’s truth is plain, but the world distorts with, and adds to it, deceptive feelings, heresy, and self-interest. It may be in vogue to sin and condone others’ sin, but such freedom of thought is no freedom at all. Embracing a free-flow license of the flesh enslaves to sin and hinders spiritual progress. There will be a reckoning; each of us is accountable for choices made. (Romans 14:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 12:1)

To be God’s sort of people, it’s vital to heed these biblical admonitions. Be diligent not to sin. Take care not to be carried away by error. Remain stable, grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. We must immerse ourselves in the Bible to hone keen discernment, and offer our bodies as living instruments to be fueled and used by God for the working out of His will. (Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 4:1-3a)

When our goal and hope are in this world, we behave to the lowest denominator of banality and selfishness. But when they are fixed in Christ and His advent, we desire to be pure and please Him. What causal attitude toward falsehood, or complacency with sin, need I put away? What sort of person will I be? (1 John 2:28-3:3,6-8a,9-10)

Lord, by daily choices may I be the person You deem Your child: wholehearted and growing, to Your praise and glory.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls… You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” 1 Peter 1:3-9,23

Blessed be God, the Father of Jesus Christ! Why? Because He has caused us to be born again! He has effected salvation that brings light and life to the lost and dying! He has secured for us an unshakable, everlasting inheritance, and guards us now with mercy and faith. He has ushered in vital hope and assurance for dark and difficult times, and through them makes us holy. He works all things for good to bring about the highest good, His glory, when all praise and glory and honor is bestowed on Jesus. (Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 2:9-11)

So how will we bless Him? By allowing His highest best cause to be borne out in our everyday living. By trusting His resurrection power to enable real victory over sin habits and wayward affections. By yielding to His benevolent authority and cooperating with His sanctification. By loving Him, believing Him, and choosing to rejoice in the midst of grievous pain and uncertainty. These blessings to Him will fill us with inexpressible joy, even as He works out and completes our faith.

If indeed we have been born again to a living hope, how does that hope affect the way we ponder, plan, work, serve, spend, and worship? How does a sure inheritance placate fears, and God’s mercy cover regrets? How does heavenly purpose adjust our priorities, and the love of God define our interactions? How and where will joy and rejoicing spill from us to shed abroad the beautiful glories of our Savior?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King.‘” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Father, keep my hope set fully on the grace that Jesus’s coming brings. May my cause be Yours: to embrace and impart Your holiness and eternal, living hope in Christ in every way. (1 Peter 1:13,15-16)

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth...
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
    to the ends of the earth.
And he shall be their peace.”

“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
    and passing over transgression
    for the remnant of his inheritance?
He does not retain his anger forever,
    because he delights in steadfast love.
He will again have compassion on us;
    he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
    into the depths of the sea.
You will show faithfulness to Jacob
    and steadfast love to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers
    from the days of old.” Micah 5:2-5a; 7:18-20

The Person is forever, eternal God, the Ancient of Days, who is from everlasting to everlasting. And His promise is forever, spoken and sustained by His knowledge and power to perform. Jesus came to earth in Bethlehem as the fulfillment of God’s pledge, a branch from Jesse, the Prince of Peace to redeem the broken and estranged, to make enemies friends and strangers His children. (Psalm 90:1-2; Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1; Daniel 7:9,13; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14-16)

Do we know this God who offers peace that is otherworldly? Have we received His forgiveness that puts the misery of sin and conviction to rest, and His exquisite reconciliation that plants true peace in our souls? Are we daily trusting Him with every anxious concern and stress, by prayer and with thanksgiving, inviting His peace as the guardian of heart and mind? How consistently are we abiding in His presence that brings peace in and into the midst of relational, emotional, and circumstantial storms? (Psalm 32:1-6; 107:23-31; Isaiah 26:3; Mark 4:35-39; John 14:27; Ephesians 2:1-5; Philippians 4:6-7)

“O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,
and, gathered all above
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King
and peace to all the earth.

How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray,
cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!” ~Phillips Brooks (1868)

Plant Your peace within, dear Lord, that I might live it out in this frenzied, fearful world.