Peace At Christmastime – Advent #1

Many cherished Christmas carols talk about peace. Consider Silent Night – “sleep in heavenly peace.” Or, Hark The Herald Angels – “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Yes, for centuries people have yearned for peace. Particularly, peace at Christmastime.

Let’s face it. This world really needs peace. Interestingly, peace starts in each individual heart. Equally, lasting peace only comes from the “Prince of Peace” – Jesus Christ.

So, peace at Christmastime . . .

Peace At Christmastime

Every Christmas – don’t you wish for peace? Specifically, peace in your own personal life – but also peace for the whole world. Peace at Christmastime starts in you – and then ripples out to others around you . . . even into the world.

So, how is your peace doing as we approach Christmas? Further, are you sharing peace with others?

Receive God’s Gift Of Peace

God gives His peace to you. Naturally, as you accept it by faith, His peace becomes your own personal peace.

Incidentally, receiving peace is similar to receiving a gift:

1. Pick it up.
2. Unwrap it.
3. Eagerly peek inside.
4. Take out the contents.
5. Identify what’s inside.
6. Reflect on why the gift is special by remembering the Giver.
7. Say, “thank you!”

 

Your Hand – A Reminder Of Peace

Your hand is always with you. But is peace always with you? Maybe – maybe not. Did you know your hand can remind you of peace? Let’s explore The Peace Hand.

Peace Hand

Do you remember nursery rhymes and songs you learned as a child? One little song I remember names every finger to teach small children about their fingers and hand. It follows this format.

First, a question is posed. Then, the answer is given in response. It starts with your thumb. Hide it behind your back with all your fingers until the question is asked.

QUESTION: “Tom Thumb, Tom Thumb. Where are you?”

Then, as you answer that question, you pull your hand out from behind your back. And the “featured finger takes a bow.”

ANSWER: “Here I am. Here I am. How do you do?”

Then the song takes you through all your fingers in the same way. Here are all the fun finger names:

1. Tom Thumb.
2. Peter Pointer.
3. Toby Tall.
4. Reuben Ring.
5. Tiny Tim.

 

The Peace Hand Reminds

Well, how does the Peace Hand remind you to connect with peace?

First, just as we named each finger in the child’s song, we will name each finger with a question about your personal peace.

Next, ask yourself five questions, one at a time.

Then, answer each question honestly, one at a time.

Interestingly, this exercise helps you quickly re-claim your peace – by faith. And at Christmas, you need this.

Five Questions Of The Peace Hand

The Peace Hand uses five questions to flip out of stress or anxiety back into peace. It’s quick. Short. Easy. Today, we’ll drill down into what each question means for deeper understanding. Incidentally, good questions reveal answers that shape your relationship with God.

Nevertheless, when you’re “on-the-run,” simply ask each short question.

Here are the five simple questions plus some “drill-down” questions to increase understanding.

1. Is God Able?

This question goes with your little finger – “Tiny Tim.”  To understand this simple question, ask and answer these questions –

• Is God able to bring about His good in my current situation?
• Am I willing to let His peace gift look different than I pictured?
• Can I truly expect His interventions and help?
• Is His strength and provision enough?
• Do His miracles and promises actually work – for me?

 

2. Does God Know?

This question connects with your number four finger – “Reuben Ring.” Actually, it’s comforting to remember God knows and deeply cares about your every life circumstance. Still, these questions help you focus on “Does God Know.”

• Is God aware of my suffering?
• Can He see me struggling?
• Does He see I’m at my wits end, and I don’t know what to do next or where to turn?
• What does it matter that He knows?

 

3. Does God care?

Get “Toby Tall” – your tall middle finger ready. Consequently, this question helps you define your theology a bit more. In other words, what do you really believe about God – and you?

• If God knows what’s going on – and if He is able – why are things not changing?
• Does God truly care about what’s going on in my life?
• Additionally, are the details of my world important to Him?
• Am I truly valuable to God?

 

4. Can I trust God?

This question gets paired with your “Peter Pointer” finger. Incidentally, he’s an important finger on your hand. Equally, this is a pretty important question you must come to terms with to enjoy God’s gift of personal peace.

• There have been others I thought I could trust. Sadly, things didn’t turn out very well. How do I know I can fully trust God to do good things in my life?
• Do I believe God’s promises in Scripture are for me?
• Further, am I willing to take His words and apply them to my current situation?
• Do I choose – here and now – to trust God?
• Oddly, I wonder in my heart if God could screw up my life?

 

5. Am I obeying?

Here’s your “Tom Thumb” question. If you didn’t have a thumb, you’d lose your grip quickly. Incidentally, it’s the same for this thumb question. If you don’t have a good answer, you’ll lose your grip in life. Why? Because obedience follows faith. Equally, faith always follows Jesus – if you want personal peace.

• Will I obey God even if I can’t see and don’t understand?
• To the best of my ability, am I willingly obeying God?
• Additionally, have I done everything I know to please God in my thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions?
• Is it more important to me to please Jesus Christ or myself?

 

Now, look at this image. Notice the question on each finger.

How Did You Do With Your Peace Hand Questions?

As you wrestle through these 5 questions, there are outcomes you can guarantee.

First, if you answer each of the 5 questions by faith with a definite “yes,” simply – “go in peace.”

Actually, picture yourself picking up the gift of peace. It is wrapped with a bow. Surprisingly, it’s sitting right next to you with your name on it.

Second, Jesus secured your peace at a very high price – His life. Now, it’s yours! Believe it. Pick it up! Unwrap it. Claim it.

Third, peace is not a feeling. Actually, it’s a “chosen condition” you adopt and believe in good times and bad. God gives peace to His children, but only some pick up the gift. Subsequently, you choose whether you will pick up God’s peace – or not.

What Does Jesus Say About Peace?

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jn. 14:27

Did you hear that? Jesus not only promises to give His peace to you. He also addresses the state of your heart. Remarkably, Jesus does not want your heart to be troubled. Additionally, He does not want you to be afraid as you live each day. Bottom line – you can live in peace. Plus, you can share it with others around you.

Phil. 4:7 says, “. . . because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace no one can completely understand . . . this peace will control the way you think and feel.” (CEV)

Obviously, you won’t understand the gift. However, when you simply receive it by faith, it transforms your life. Especially at Christmastime.

Application Thoughts And Questions

Anytime, anywhere – night or day – ask yourself five short questions –

1. Is God able?
2. Does God know?
3. Does God care?
4. Can I trust God?
5. Am I obeying?

 

You can choose peace this Christmas. So, accept your peace gift with a receptive heart. Plus, practice joy. Afterall, it’s the season!

Remember how to claim your gift of personal peace:

1. Pick it up.
2. Then, unwrap it.
3. Of course, eagerly peek inside.
4. Take out the contents.
5. Identify what’s inside.
6. Next, reflect on why the gift is special by remembering the Giver.
7. Finally, say, “thank you!” to God for His unspeakable gift. (2 Cor. 9:15; Phil. 4:7)

 

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jn. 14:27

 

* Portions of this content come from my book – Reach Back: Intentionally Reaching Back To God. – This is a study book that covers various topics like –

• Pausing in life.
• How to handle feelings.
• Loneliness.
• Boundaries.
• Forgiveness.
• Gratitude.

 

You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

 

* The Peace Hand is used with permission, adapted from: McDougall, Colin. Models for Disciple-Makers. Robbinsville: Eternal Truth Ministries, 2002. Print.