Dear Worshipers,
Jesus, we live in a world where peace seems to elude us. Where fighting and disagreements are far more familiar than understanding and acceptance. A world that seems so divided and so confused. I am thankful today that peace is not the absence of conflict-peace is Your presence in our lives. We need Your peace. We need Your presence. We need You, Jesus.
I know these words have been much on my mind because I had to memorize them, but they really are a beautiful, simple prayer. I struggled bit with why the arrangers had us singing “Silent Night” so quickly after that prayer, but I came to terms with it and want to encourage you with my reasoning.
The song speaks of a quiet night where the holy infant and mother are basking in calmness and light. Then the words, the prayer, “Sleep in heavenly peace.” In a sense it is our prayer for the little baby, our Lord, but in another real sense it is His prayer for us. It becomes a prayer for us to sing to one another, and a very appropriate moment to do so in the work we shared.
We have reminded them of the Christmas story, through word and song, and on the heels of singing some familiar carols and affirming there is peace in the world, we encourage them, “Sleep in heavenly peace.” How does one do that in the midst of the chaos and storm of life? By basking in the calmness and light offered by the babe in the manger, the Prince of Peace.
I want to encourage you in these last days before we come to celebrate Christmas, take some time to cultivate peace in your world. Get quiet. Stop. Light a candle. Be still. Let the Prince flood your soul with the peace that only He affords.
Jesus, help me to keep praying. There is a lot happening and I want to see You in it all, and for others to see You too. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
