PRINCE OF PEACE 20101216

Dear China Friends,

PRINCE OF PEACE

This is the time of year when thoughts of peace come to mind.  Yet when we look around us there is anything but peace.  But there is a peace that does not depend on the circumstances around us.  Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Prince of Peace 700 years before His birth. 

            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.  (Isaiah 9:6).         

From the titles accorded to this child, we see that He would be a very special person.  In fact He would be God in the flesh.  No wonder it was the angels who heralded His birth some two thousand years ago.

            Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared

                with the angel, praising God and saying,

            ��Glory to God in the highest,

                And on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests�� (Luke 2:13-14).

But you may be ready to say, ��Where is this promised peace?  When we listen to the news, there is anything but peace in this world today.  But Jesus had in mind a special peace.  ��Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid�� (John 14:27).

What this Prince had in mind was an inner peace of heart regardless of the conditions around us.  This peace with God is found in the person of Jesus who made ��peace through his blood, shed on the cross�� (Colossians 1:20).  ��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�� (John 16:33).  He tells us that prayer and positive thinking will bring peace to our hearts.

            Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever

            is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable��if anything is excellent or

            praiseworthy��think about such things (Philippians 4:6-8).

You can experience God��s peace now and in eternity?  ��You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you�� (Isaiah 26:3).  ��Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father��s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am��  (John 14:1-3).  ��Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way�� (II Thessalonians 3:16).

WONDERFUL PEACE

                          What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
                          Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
                          So secure that no power can mine away,
                          while the years of eternity roll!

                        ;   Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
                          Coming down from the Father above!
                          Sweep over my spirit forever I pray
                          in fathomless billows of love!

I trust that you will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  My daughter Carolyn will be here
to help me celebrate the holidays.  I trust you can be with your loved ones to celebrate also!

Your friend,

Tom Atkinson