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Monday, December 17, 2012

Peace at Christmas



I pray you are all well and enjoying some seasoned treats and blessings from our precious Saviour.   After the horrible news in Newtown on Friday, I have not been able to focus on anything else,  and I am sure many of you have been saddened by this seemingly irrational and senseless tragedy.  There is part of me that wants to bundle up my kids,  and keep them festooned inside our castle, to protect them forever.  But at the same time I am praying that Jesus will show me ways to bring God’s sovereignty and Love into the fore.
We have been blasted by the media these past few days,  and as we process by sharing our thoughts on social media I am struck at how many of us in Canada are feeling so strongly about this.  Why are we so surprised that this kind of tragedy can happen and at this time of the year?  Christmas is supposed to be a time for niceties, celebrations, family gatherings etc, but for many in Newtown it will be a time for grieving.  My heart is grieving with our neighbours, and as I think of the birth of our Jesus Christ and what it meant to the community around Him at His time of life, I am reminded that He does bring Peace.
“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

So with Peace in mind I pray for all of our children effected by this tragedy.  I pray that they will continue to have faith and believe in His promises, that He does Protect, Shepherd and Love his followers.

I pray that He will bind hearts, and mend broken families devastated by their loss.  I pray that He will encompass hurting siblings and forsaken grandparents.  I pray that He will give strength and almighty reassurance to struggling parents.  I pray that all will still be able to remember their Abba father, even in the presence of suffering.
I am meditating on the following verses this week:
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Matthew 11:28-30  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Philippians 4:6-7  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 13:11  Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another,agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Isaiah 12:2  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.

I pray that even if you are struggling this Christmas, (and many of us have difficulties which can be exacerbated by a busy season) you will be blessed with a peaceful, joyful and encouraging Christmas, resting in the reminder that we do have a Beautiful and Good God!


Blessings to you
In Christ,
Pippa Davies