Discovering the True Meaning of Peace in the Christmas Story.

As we embark on an exploration of the profound concept of "peace" as mentioned in John 14:27 and the Christmas Story, we find ourselves immersed in some incredibly spiritual insights. The verse starts with a powerful declaration: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." These words go beyond conventional understandings of peace, as Jesus distinguishes His gift from the limited peace offered by the world.

Within this verse, we witness a unique transaction — the giving of peace. In His benevolence, Jesus offers peace as a gift, challenging the common understanding of giving where the giver loses a portion of his reserves. Unlike earthly transactions, the act of giving peace doesn't diminish its source, illustrating the boundless nature of His gifts within the Kingdom. In contemplating this, we're invited to view our giving through the lens of the Kingdom's economic system, which operates in stark contrast to the world’s system.

So, what deep insights does this verse provide about peace?

The essence of this peace serves as a potent remedy for troubled hearts and a powerful antidote to the grip of fear. It beckons us to acknowledge and embrace the divine gift of peace that stands resilient in the face of life's uncertainties.

Worldly Notions of Peace: A Comparative Analysis

Venturing into a world’s viewpoint, while many define peace as the absence of conflict, for example, the Quechua Indians in Ecuador and Bolivia offer a unique perspective. Their phrase for peace is, "to sit down in one's heart," which conveys peace as a departure from constant anxieties, embracing a stillness. Similarly, the Chol Indians of Mexico view peace as "a quiet heart," emphasizing tranquility. Though beautiful, these expressions may still retain a predominantly negative connotation, portraying peace primarily as the lack of trouble or conflict.

In contrast, the Kekchi Indians of Guatemala articulate a more active essence with their term for peace — "quiet goodness." This aligns with the unconventional dynamics of the Kingdom, where peace becomes an active force ushering in goodness.

Define Peace Through a Biblical Prescriptive

Let's explore the Old Testament term "Shalom," frequently interpreted as "peace." It goes beyond just the lack of conflict; instead, it embodies a deep truth for the ALL THE HIGHEST GOOD TO COME OUR WAY. Unlike the common perception of peace solely as the absence of trouble, Shalom represents God's generous bestowal of the Gift of Peace to His children through His Son—a gift that heralds God's Highest Good coming our way. Essentially, it signifies the supernatural power residing within us, serving as our inherent ability to navigate life with purpose and resilience.

Turning to the Christmas Story for Understanding of Peace

Examining Mary's pivotal role in the biblical narrative adds another layer to our understanding of peace. Confronted with unexpected news and societal challenges, Mary's initial turmoil contrasts with the proclamation of peace in Luke 2:8-14. The divine message echoes the promise of peace, offering peace in moments of upheaval.

.John 14:27, when considered alongside Mary's journey, encourages us to think deeply about the many aspects of peace. It goes beyond just the absence of problems; it acts like a powerful force, providing calm amid life's challenges. Simply put, it helps Mary recognize God's presence and the inner peace He has bestowed upon her—a precious gift. In essence, it serves as a poignant reminder to Mary of the remarkable gift God has placed within her—the gift of ultimate goodness tailored specifically for her well-being. It's a beautiful acknowledgment that, despite life's storms, God's wonderful gift of peace resides within her, offering a source of comfort and assurance.

The Brain's Role: Unraveling the "Do" in John 14:27

In our human experience, the brain plays a significant role in shaping perceptions. Recognizing the brain's innate focus on survival, we understand why challenges often trigger negative thoughts. However, the essence of "doing" in this context is not about earning peace through our efforts. Rather, it directs us to actively recognize God’s Grace and renew our minds to the fact that God’s peace is unwavering. Allowing peace to permeate our perspective and subsequently, our circumstances becomes a transformation process.

In the beauty of John 14:27, the word "do" doesn't negate the call to action. It prompts us to actively recognize the peace, letting that Peace challenge preconceived notions. The invitation is clear — allow this divine peace to anchor your troubled hearts and dispel fear, transcending the limitations of worldly understanding.

Grace vs. Doing

Navigating life involves a constant stream of choices, each moment presenting us with a decision. When faced with challenging circumstances, we are confronted with the choice to embrace grace or default to a survival mode aimed at solving the problem. Grace, in essence, is the supernatural capability bestowed by God, transcending the limits of the natural.

In this trans-formative Kingdom Reality, God has provided a pathway for us to live through grace. It's a recognition that any action we undertake in our strength falls short of the challenges at hand. Engaging in a mode of self-driven action becomes the very obstacle we seek to overcome. Attempting to earn or maintain a gift, such as peace, through our efforts becomes nonsensical, for gifts are not earned but received.

Some final Verses and thoughts:

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 15:4 (NKJV)

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

Isaiah 26:3-4

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 YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

The first thing that jumps out at me in this verse is that it's Father God who takes responsibility for being the one who is the one keeps us in perfect peace. The word for "keep" is Tisor, which, in its Semitic root, has the idea of guarding or watching over. So, it is not so much that He is giving us or keeping us in perfect peace, but he is watching over us with perfect peace. With that kind of perspective, it gives clarity for the rest of the passage.

In the original Hebrew text, the term "perfect peace" is expressed as "shalom shalom," highlighting the linguistic emphasis on repetition for intensified communication.

This concept is vividly illustrated when we consider having a mind that is steadfastly focused on Him. It involves a deliberate fixation, a deep immersion in the truth of peace—peace in abundance, a double portion of tranquility.

For me, the pivotal keywords are "mind," "stayed," and "trust." The battleground resides within our minds, where the inclination is often to do whatever it takes to safeguard ourselves or escape conflict. Yet, if our minds are anchored in Him, it entails a substantial effort to consistently think about Jesus.

To have our minds "stayed on Him" implies not only a mental focus but a reliance on and repose upon Him and His works, as opposed to relying on our efforts.

The word "trust" holds significant weight. Our perception is shaped by what we trust. If we place our trust in our financial status, that becomes our focal point. If we trust in our abilities to extricate ourselves from difficulties, that becomes our focus. However, when we place our trust in Him, our gaze shifts to the strength of the Lord, redirecting our focus from our capabilities to the unwavering strength found in Him.

Isaiah 41:13

For I am the Lord your God

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you.

Don’t demand a plan for life just hold His hand. He already has a firm grip on yours.

Reflect on what your definition of peace is. Is it based on your circumstances or your relationship with God? Ask God to help you rest because of who He is, not because life is conflict-free. Remember, true peace comes from God's nature, not a conflict-free life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!