“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.”  John 14:27

The Savior of the world is born.  The heavens open and angel choirs exclaim, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace” (Luke 2:14)  His birth was just the beginning of that peace, though.  Jesus would live the perfect life for us and then work our peace on the cross.  Jesus words from the Gospel of John above come with the cross looming on the horizon.  What a wonderful gift He gives His disciples!  He came into the world to give peace.  His suffering, death and resurrection established peace between God and us!  It cost Jesus His life; it gained for us a peace that’s free!

How are you celebrating Christmas?  Oh, the delicious meals and delightful friends and doting families, right?  Maybe gift exchanges or out singing carols?  How about attending church, hopefully right on top of our Christmas experience?  You know, it’s possible to celebrate Christmas but miss its real significance!  “God and sinners reconciled” sing the angels in the Christmas hymn “Hark The Herald ….”  That’s what Christmas is about.  Peace reigns between God and His people again.  What comfort and joy we have as we know that Jesus is “Born to raise the sons (and daughters) of earth, Born to give them second birth.”  That’s why Jesus comes.  Peace right now!  Because of the rebirth of baptism, we belong to the family of our heavenly Father, with the joy of heaven to come!

I look forward to worshiping with you this Christmas in our Father’s House.  If you plan to worship at Holy Faith, remember the Christmas Eve candlelight services are one hour earlier this year:  4:00 and 7:00 p.m.  Christmas morning family worship is at 11:00 a.m.  May we join the angels in giving “Glory to the newborn King!”  A blessed Christmas to all!!  Pastor Craig