People talk a lot about peace this time of year, and it’s something that everybody seems to want.  But too often maybe we look at it the wrong way.  Peace is not just the absence of war or conflict or the absence of worry and fear and negative thoughts and emotions, but it is something substantial that can be added to our lives.  But how can there possibly be peace on Earth amid all the troubles and heartaches that exist?

Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Peace is another fruit of the Spirit.  It comes from having God so close.  Jesus brought it to Earth when He entered it, and He brings it to our hearts when we trust in Him.  It is His peace that makes a difference.  It is His peace that gives us peace with God, peace with ourselves, peace with those around us.  It is His peace that is perfect and goes beyond our understanding.  It is His peace that stills those storms of worry and fear and invites us to rest in Christ—to rest upon His work and His love and His promises.

The peace of God is a safe haven in this chaotic and sinful world.  It is freedom from guilt, burdens, and chains.  It is the product of what Jesus has done in overcoming the world and everything that it could ever throw at us.  But it is another gift we have to accept from God, something only He can produce within us.  It’s something we have to choose to embrace in our hearts.  So let’s allow our fears to fly in the presence of our Savior and accept His gift of peace.