True Peace

​Isaiah 9:6 (NIV): “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.”
 
I must apologize to those who do not want to think about Christmas until December 1. If this is you, stop reading, clip this article, and save it for December 1.
 
I should also apologize to you for the Christmas decorations on my lawn. I would recommend closing your eyes while driving by, until December 1, but that would not be safe. So, just pretend it is December 1 when you drive by.
 
There are certain years when the message of Christmas must be embraced outside of the Christmas season. There are certain years when a mental assent of the message of Christmas does not bring what is needed, but physical rituals must be indulged in.
 
2020 is one of those years. From pandemics, to shootings, to protests, to economic hardships, to elections, to lies, to hatred, to unloving speech, to worries, to fears, to whatever else we want to place on this list, 2020 has not been a year of peace.
 
We have tried our best to create peace out of chaos. But, nothing we do helps. Republicans and Democrats alike have tried to solve the problems in our society. But, nothing we do helps. Medical researchers and political appointees have tried to bring safety to our lives. But, nothing we do helps.
 
We cannot attain peace. We cannot solve all of the problems 2020 brings. We need to give up and turn to the One who was promised.
 
Jesus Christ came two thousand years ago to bring peace in a situation where peace could not be earned by any human. First, he brought peace with God, through his death on the cross, where anyone who believes in Him will have a restored relationship with Creator of the Universe, starting at the moment of belief and lasting all eternity. Second, he will bring peace on this earth when he comes again to usher in His kingdom. At the end of time, everything that is wrong in this world will be made right.
 
We can try all of our schemes, politics, and human wisdom to accomplish peace. But, true peace only comes through Jesus. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!