FPC Daily Advent Devotional // Friday, December 14

P A U S E
The anonymous author of the hymn “Peace like a River” clearly did not write it in December. Or maybe he did and was just too ashamed because he was at the mall like the rest of us.

John 16:33 says “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Several Biblical thinkers interpret this passage to mean: Peace is NOT the absence of trouble but the Presence of Christ.

Just how many times did God mention the word Peace in the Bible? A staggering 429 times. Faith and love are a distant second and third in the 300s. Do you think God was trying to knock us over the head with the concept of peace?

Leslie Hooton (FPC Member)

P O N D E R

Today, look at peace as God’s “present” to you. His presence. He is standing next to you at Starbucks trying to hand it to you, he will be there on Christmas eve when you run out of batteries nudging, offering you peace. If you are too busy trying to decide if Aunt Mildred needs a sweater or chocolate covered cherries, look up. You may see him and be able to receive his wondrous present of peace.
  P R A Y

Lord, let us be grateful for your abundant gift of peace that passes all understanding. Make us each instruments of your peace in accordance with your will. Amen.
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