Text - Isaiah 9:6
“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”.
When Jesus was born, it wasn’t in a beautiful or glorious era for Gods people - The Israelites. It wasn’t a time of joy and happiness that surrounded the saviors birth. It was a time of sadness and gloom - 600 years of silence from God, the nation under several oppressive empires, at that time the wicked Roman Empire. Gods people were being oppressed, commanded around and sent on censuses they didn’t plan for, crucified and beheaded, living in fear and terror and then the baby in the Manger comes and he was prophesied to be the Prince of Peace.
In a time of darkness and sorrow and gloom Jesus came into time and space and I wish the story was that he defeated the Romans in a super show but he did something better - he brought comfort and peace. He was a man of sorrows - present with his people. When Lazarus died, he wept with his sisters before raising him back to life. He emphasized with every human struggle.
He was present - God with us. And wherever he went - through fierce storms at sea or through emotional turmoil with men - he proclaimed “Peace be Still” and there was Peace and calm and healing and restoration.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit - Ps 34:18
Its Christmas Season again and this season some hears ache with the loss and memory of loved ones. Some lost family and Loved ones on Christmas’ pasts. Some lost loved ones in the course of the year. Some at other times. But Christmas and the desire to be together with those dear to us can bring a certain pain and sorrow.
But you don’t have to be defeated by the sorrow and pain. You have the Prince of Peace with you. And he will breathe and speak peace through you storm
Should you hide your pain or mask or suppress it? By no means. God is not scared of your emotions. But the Devil can exploit them to drive you into gloom and joylessness. Good news is we are NOT IGNORANT of his designs.
We don’t have to go through emotional storms alone, Jesus is ever ready to walk through them with us. And if we let him he will bring comfort and peace and joy in spite of.
God Loves you and is intentional about you. Nothing happens that shocks him. He is fully involved in everything even your emotions. He is not distant or dismissive. He isn’t terrible at therapy like your friends or family. He will weep with you and he holds every tear (Ps 56:8). God is close to you. Let him in.
This Christmas allow the Peace of God flood your heart and mind. Remember that God is near and ready to comfort and bring Peace. Here are two songs that speak to this. Peace of God by Guvna B and CalledOut Music and Scars in Heaven by Casting Crowns.