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For weeks now my mind has been racing as I’ve listened to and watched the scary and tragic events occurring here at home and abroad. It could get exhausting if we let ourselves think about the long list of not-so-good things we are facing. But I know I have a choice, and I don’t have to dwell on any of it.
Instead, I can focus on the positive and look for ways to make this world a better place. At least in the community I live and work in. How can I bring genuine calm and peace to those around me?
It won’t come from me dredging up all the negative news on television and social media. Friends and family don’t need me to share the doom and the gloom we’re surrounded by. Besides, that’s not who I am.
If you know me, you would know that I’m a fixer and a problem-solver. I am constantly looking for ways to encourage others, take their concerns and worries and commit them to prayer, and to be a light for Him.
We don’t have to live in a continual state of anxiety and chaos. Rather we can choose to seek Jesus, the Light of the World, the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Say these words to yourself. PRINCE. OF. PEACE.
It is the familiar verses of Isaiah 9:6-7, that provide a direct prophecy of the birth of Jesus, the reason for our celebration of the season. You see the ultimate gift that came under circumstances less than ideal, and certainly not as peaceful as Mary would have liked, arrived with that title.
Mary and Joseph’s journey had been a long one to Bethlehem. Joseph went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and expecting a child. They were there for just a short while when they learned it was time for the baby to come and they had no place to stay.
So Mary gave birth to Jesus, wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger.
It was then that an angel appeared to the Shepherds in the field and said,
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Luke 2:8-14
While there were no big crowds of people or fanfare, or choirs of voices singing the Hallelujah Chorus, make no mistake, Jesus’s birth was the crowning moment for all times.
Let us go forward in this season of celebration to draw close to Him, seek His Peace and all that He has to offer you. May He give you peace in your heart, and help you to bring peace, hope and love to others.
Remember, He is the reason for the season.
This will be my last post for 2015. In keeping with my promise, I want to enjoy my family and the season. I’ll see you back here in January, 2016.
Blessings and peace to you,
Mitzi
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