Peace on Earth

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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I worked as a missionary nurse for 10 years in Guinea, West Africa. This morning I awoke to the news that the president of that country who has been in power since my time there has died. It has left a void of power, as is often the case in many African nations. It has thrown the country into a sense of chaos with others grabbing for power.

He died 2 days before Christmas, during a time that we pray for peace on earth, goodwill towards men. Certainly we must pray for the peace of Guinea, just as we pray for the peace of all nations.

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The Advent season is a time of anticipation, to prepare our heart for His coming. He came to reconcile the world to Himself, and to bring peace to the world. Ultimately we await His second coming to fulfill all.

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Thank you, Jesus, for coming into the world. Grant me peace this day, and enable me to faithfully pray for the peace of the world.

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Isa 2:4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Prince of Peace

Isa 9:6 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.

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The last week of Advent is about Peace. So much is in turmoil in the world. The world financial crisis. Riots recently spilled over around Europe from a Greece incident. Terrorist threats. War.

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In the era of Christ's birth there was a lot of turmoil in the world, too. Herod was a mad ruler who made erratic decisions. But he was just a pawn for the Roman government that dominated the world scene. Life in Israel was hard and people were poor. Reckless political groups abound threatening to take over.

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Life ebbs and flows. There are golden ages and nations tumble. In my life too, there are seasons of great joy and times of great difficulty. But it doesn't matter. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He brings peace to my life in a way no one else can. In fact, it is in the turmoil that I call on Him more.

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Philippiens 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.