This is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. It makes my heart just soar when I listen to it, I especially love the words “Peace On The Earth Tidings Of Good Cheer.” I love the beginning of the song, I think the choir and violins sound angelic, and the piano at the end is so calming and soothing. The song makes me think of these verses:
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'” (Luke 2:13, 14).
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Jesus as “the one who brings peace” has taken on a whole new meaning for me this year as I battle cancer. As we unpacked our Christmas decorations, I found a glittery, silver sign that spells the word “Peace.” I usually keep it in the living room during the holiday season, but this year I decided to be selfish with it, and put it in my bedroom.
It has been a beautiful reminder to me, especially when fear rears its ugly head. More than once, as my thoughts have started to spiraled down into the fearful unknown, that sparkly sign has caught my eye and stilled the spinning.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
These were some of the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before his crucifixion. He knew they would soon be experiencing such pain and turmoil as they watched him die.
BUT…the grave did not keep Him, as three days later he appeared to them and greeted them saying
“Peace be with you” (John 20)
Lately, I have been noticing in my reading, reminders to be obedient. Little reminders to me that I need to pay attention to what God has for me, that His word has all I need, that I need to take “take heed” to what it says. When Jesus says to…
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7).
…do I take that seriously? Am I making sure my anxious thoughts are stopped when I realize that I am thinking them, and instead choose to give thanks and ask Him for help? Do I believe that His peace will guard my mind as I choose to do this?
“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea’ ” (Isaiah 48:17, 18).
This verse reminds me that I need to take heed to His commandments, and follow His way, then my peace will be like a river! This is a beautiful promise.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord, is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3, 4)
“My peace I give to you;– Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
I am so thankful for my Prince of Peace, who has left so many wonderful promises and verses that contain the word “peace”
Websters definition:
Peace
peace is a state of tranquillity, quiet, calm, freedom from civil disturbance, A state of security – being secure within a community, freedom from oppression, strife and disorder. In harmony in personal relations. Untroubled by conflict, agitation or commotion. Freedom from anxiety.
I’ll take it!!
Lana
December 8, 2010 at 11:30 amBeautiful post! I am in awe that in the middle of your uncertain journey, you stop to remind us of all that is good and glorious right in our own hearts and minds. I believe that is the ONLY place to start healing, from the inside out!
Sorry I don’t comment all the time, but I am out here reading!
Have a warm, loving day!