The Gift of Peace

 The Gift of Peace

Have you ever received news that was too hard to comprehend? The possibility didn’t even make sense? 

“Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” The angel replied to her. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1: 34-35

The book of Luke gives the most details when it comes to the birth of Christ. Some other gospels give details but Luke gives the story in a way that can engage our imagination. Our tradition is always been to read the birth story every Christmas morning before opening any gift. When my grandparents were alive we would all sit around and wait patiently for that one gift my grandparents would give and read the Christmas story before we were able to rip it open. That gift was something we anticipated and some years it really wasn’t what we really wanted but they always gave us one thing. One year it was a study bible and I still have that with my granddaddy’s name in it. I didn’t really appreciate that gift at the time but now I treasure it. Reading the book of Luke has me stopping along the way and wondering what the whole experience might have been like for those involved. Knowing that God just used ordinary people like He still does today leaves me sitting in this Scripture and asking myself how I might have responded. What would my reaction be to, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and that the son you give birth will be called the Son of God.” Mary’s response. “I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38

Mary had a servants heart she knew what was required to obey. The book of Luke talks about how that word “overshadow” is said repeatedly referring to the Holy Spirit. One of the commentators I read says that Luke reveals the heart and mind of Jesus. So reading this scripture that word “overshadow” reminds my heart that even in the womb of Mary something was happening that was could only be explained as no human sexual encounter could produce. The Son of God was coming into the world and would live a sinnless life as the “perfect man” to one day take on the sins of the world. The power of the Most High coming down to earth to live among us to show us how to live with the mind and heart of Jesus. 

Slow down and take it in.  Sit with the One who came to give us everything we will ever need. Be still because of Peace. 

God made a way to be with us. The indwelling and fullness of His Presence in us. Fully and complete because of the love of Jesus and his love for us. Knowing what we would do and continue to do and willingly still choosing us. The covering that would be possible for each us when we accept Jesus and live for him and follow our Shepherd.  Human conception would have never worked that was never the plan and Mary knew because it was according to His word. The conception was an act of creation bringing us Love, Joy, and Peace of the Holy Spirit. All of our days..

We can know Jesus like that. He wants us to know that he is the way of Peace. The choice is ours.

Spend that time getting to know the Way of Peace. Ask the Holy Spirit to slow you down and be silent and speak where to reveal that..

Jesus,

Peace. We need it. We were created to have it. Even the word peace when it leaves our lips can settle something that only you can bring Jesus we can’t get that anywhere else but you.  So Jesus guide our feet into the way of Peace. We know you are with us Prince of Peace King Jesus.

Amen