Comfort Ye My People... PeaceMakers...
A tradition of the Holidays that I like to enjoy when possible is listening to George Frideric Handel. What a beloved work of music. Interestingly, in 1741 Handel wrote this oratorio in just 24 days. The scripture text was compiled by Charles Jennens and comes from the King James Bible. It was initially written for Easter, and first performed on April 13, 1742. Though written for Easter, often the Messiah is performed at Christmas. "The Hallelujah Chorus" is probably the most famous. However, I love the song "Comfort Ye, My People". This song comes from Isaiah 40:1-3. The message is that our Comfort, our Peace, comes from the Lord.
We are in the Season of Advent. A special time to help us focus and prepare for Immanuel. The theme of this Sunday in Advent is Peace. It is from the Prince of Peace, Christ ,that we can experience ultimate peace - the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus calls us to be "PeaceMakers". "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9 (NIV). Look around, our world really needs PeaceMakers. May we share the gift of peace with others. And introduce them to who our Peace comes from.
So, here are a few "peaceful" gifts that I can give this Holiday. Again, I challenge you to make your own lists.
Pray for Peace (remember who is ultimately in control)
Genuinely put others first.Listen more - focus.
Stay calm, relax, even in tense situations.
Think positive thoughts by counting my blessings.
Remind myself how much God is patient with me.
Treat others the same way.Give thanks and find comfort in the "Prince of Peace".
Last week I mentioned a challenge that I saw on social media was to read a chapter of the Gospel of Luke starting on December 1. There are 24 chapters in this Gospel, so you will wind up reading this Gospel on Christmas Eve. As the post states, "On Christmas Eve you will have read an entire account of Jesus Life and wake up on Christmas Morning knowing WHO and WHY We Celebrate".
Today is December 9. This is from Luke 9:18-20
18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?
19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”
20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”
Peter acknowledges that Jesus is THE Messiah. The title Messiah means "Deliverer", and literally "anointed one". Who do you say Jesus is? Who is He in your life? During this most wonderful time of the year, I challenge you to pause, focus, and claim the gift of delivery by God's anointed one, our Savior, Jesus Christ. If it were not for Easter, Christmas would be just another day. If you have not yet, the greatest gift that you could ever receive is the gift of salvation and life because of the sacrifice by Christ, on the cross, forgiveness of our sins. And Jesus, by conquering death, and rising from the dead on the third day, gives us LIFE. LIFE with meaning, purpose, and love. REAL Life. I encourage you to accept His personal gift - given for you. It is then that you will truly experience the Joy of this special season. He IS our Deliverer, THE Messiah.
See you Sunday... And Remember...
YOU ARE LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)