7/27/2019 Peace in Perplexity - Peter Daniel
1/2
Peace in PerplexityMath. 2
Is. 9:6Sometimes, the meaning of a word becomes applicable only
when a contrary situation happens in anindividuals life. The
importance of the word democracy was revealed when an emergency
was
imposed in Pakistan. Iraqi people realized the value of peace
when they lost it during the tyrannicalreign of Saddam Hussain in
their country.
Over the recent days, I have undergone a lot of stress in and
out of the workplace and in theministry. During those times, I
studied the book of Psalms whichenabled me to identify with Davids
life which was studded withseveral stressful events. The verses
became more appropriatethough I had read the same passages earlier
and it had a greatimpact in my life.
In the same way, the Christmas has to be seen in the light of
the
first Christmas.Let us look into the following two incidents
clearly and thencompare them with the birth of Jesus Christ.
A. Peace amidst Hopelessness:
The pregnant woman Mary and Joseph went up from the town of
Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehemin Judea, to register themselves as
per the decree of Caesar Augustus. In the olden days, travelingwas
never easy. It was a cumbersome and painful process which was to be
endured and not enjoyed.When the couple reached the lodge to settle
in for that night, the inn keeper sent them out just ashow in India
we even refuse to give place for a fellow passenger who is
sick.
The hope of settling for that night in the inn had gone
(Lk.2:7). They did not know where to go.
However, God had arranged a manger for them. The insignificant
manger became significant due tothe birth of Jesus, the visit of
the wise men, the Star which led them, the angels and shepherds
whohad come to worship the Saviour.
At times, God allows hopeless situations in our life to fulfill
His delightful purposes. The mangerproved to be of greater use than
the inn.
The shepherds could identify it easily as it was related to
their profession. The star stopped over the manager which was easy
for the wise men to identify. The place was also big enough for
them to accommodate Jesus and the many visitors.
Often, we get depressed and sad when things dont go the way we
desire them to. God allows suchsituations for our own good to make
us understand that Gods peace is unbreakable and
unshakeable always!
B. Peace amidst Utter Confusion:
The envious and insecure feelings crippled Herod after the Magi
had outwitted him. He ordered thekilling of all the male babies
under the age of two in Bethlehem and its vicinity. The first
Christmashad been a bloody event for those who were in Bethlehem.
It turned out to be a time of weepingand mourning in Ramah. No one
was able to comfort the bereaved families (Matt 2:16-18). In
the
7/27/2019 Peace in Perplexity - Peter Daniel
2/2
midst of these horrific happenings, the Prince of Peace was born
in the manager. The message ofChrists birth was proclaimed to the
shepherds and to the whole world.
In our life too, we face unacceptable situations such as
accidents, natural calamities, terrorism,sudden deaths, disease,
illness, poverty, problems at work, unanswered prayers and so on.
What will
Christmas this year mean to those in such situations? The
celebration of Christmas will be verydifficult just as it was, two
thousand years ago. The celebration of the first Christmas was for
thecelebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace and not for
mourning for the tragedies. .
Very often we dwell in the scars of the past and incidents which
cloud the real peace which Godwants to give to each one of us.
Christmas is not just about thinking about our bad past. Instead
weneed to focus on Jesus Christ, who has come to this world to give
peace to the world which theworld cannot offer.
Let us remember that in this world we will always have trials
and tribulations. The good news is thateven in the midst of
perplexity, God will give us His everlasting peace because He is
the Prince ofPeace!
For reflection and discussion:
1. Usually the king gives beautiful material gift. But God has
given peaceas a gift through Hisson. Do you plan out how to face
the stress and strain in your life?.
2. Have you felt the presence of peace deep down in your heart?
How?3. Handover your problems to Jesus. And write down how you feel
in your heart.
