The Spirit of Christmas -- "Peace"

“The spirit of the season.” “Catch the holiday spirit.” “It’s the spirit of Christmas.” Anyone besides me caught words such as these coming across the airwaves, seen them in a holiday special, or perhaps read in some form of print? After hearing these words recently, in one way or another, a question began to form in my mind. What IS the real spirit of Christmas? I knew what I thought it was, but I began a little “research” with those around me. “What is the spirit of Christmas?” I asked my family. “It’s love,” said one. “It’s joy” said another. “It’s giving . . . it’s kindness . . .” each thought only a moment, then the definition that placed itself within their mind frame, spilled over from their lips. They were all right . . . in a way. . . and yet, deeper thought brought me to the realization that Christmas isn’t really as much of a “what” as it is a “Who.”

Within the word itself, we find just Who brings the true meaning of Christmas to our world. Christ. Jesus Christ Himself – came – wrapped in swaddling clothes, being laid in a manger. It is within Him that we find our source of joy, love, peace, giving . . . He is the Spirit of Christmas – for He is the very reason we celebrate!

Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the little boy who was to take part in a program at his church. He was supposed to say the lines, “It is I, be not afraid.” Well, on the night of the performance, he saw all those people and promptly adjusted his lines to fit his circumstance. He blurted out, “It’s me, and I’m scared to death!” Christ came to bring to us the very opposite of fear. The Spirit of Christmas is . . . Peace.

Let’s take a look at just this one for this week. Our Savior came and one of His incredible names is found in our verse from Isaiah 9:6, “The Prince of Peace.” Peace . . . when a world is at war? Peace . . . when economic time are questionable? Peace . . . when day to day activities threaten to overwhelm our tired brains? Yes, peace.

When we lived closer to our families, I remember how we would get up early on Christmas Day, in order to have Christmas with both of our parents, and his grandparents. During the drive to our different places of celebration, things would always seem so peaceful! No one was hurrying from one store to another . . . the traffic was minimal at most . . . beautiful Christmas music was playing on the stereo . . . it was just peaceful. Sometimes there was snow . . . sometimes it was just plain cold . . . sometimes the day was fairly pretty . . . but no matter what, the Christmas Day spirit of peace prevailed.

However, lasting Peace can only be found where we find the true Spirit of Christmas – in Christ alone. His Word lets us in on the secret our world is waiting for. Not only is Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace, Ephesians 2:14 tells us, “For He Himself is our peace who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” Not for a certain race or tribe. Not exclusive in His plan. Not building up walls. Not requiring more than we can give. Jesus is our Peace! How He desires that we take full knowledge of this fact.

The Spirit of Christmas is peace – and when we have Christ, we can have Peace for a life-time! This year, as our voices sing out the carol, “Peace on the earth goodwill to men . . .” may we whisper to our Savior, “Jesus I want You to live out through me the true Spirit of Christmas – I accept You as my Prince of Peace.”

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“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