Day 21: The Promise of Peace

God has come to live with us. He is one of King David's children's children's children. The Prince of Peace (JSB 147)

Read:

The Big Picture: God's Promise Remains (211-219)

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Operation "No More Tears!" (144-151)

Sing:  O Holy Night
Like a River Glorious
Think: John 14:27
Pray: Praise God for bringing true peace to us by sending Jesus
Do: Dove (crown)

For You:
Isaiah 9:2-7
Ezekiel 34:25-31
John 14:27
John 16:32-33

     There is so much to say about peace isn't there? "Let there be peace on earth" is what we often hear this time of year. We all long for peace. The world tells us to look within to find and share peace. The world tells us that peace begins within ourselves. But, God says something different. God tells us that we are sinful (and we are!). God tells us that there is nothing good in us. Peace will never come on this earth no matter how hard we all try, no matter how many hands we shake, no matter how many peace conferences we hold - there will be no peace. Our world is full of sin - and it isn't getting better. It feels like it is getting worse, doesn't it? Every day, something is on the news that horrifies all of us. This is a seemingly hopeless situation - BUT - God gives us the answer. He tells us where to find peace! Instead of looking within (to ourselves), we must look somewhere else ... at Someone else. We gaze at the cross. Peace begins and ends with Jesus. Jesus gives us peace with God. We were God's enemies, but because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we are now at peace with God. One day, we are promised that this Prince of Peace will come again and that He will restore all that was once lost. This is the promise of true peace.

  Tidings and Tidbits:

• We have read the story God's Promise Remains several times from the Big Picture Story Bible because it covers so much territory Biblically. Feel free to continue to read this story to your children on these days. Repetition is good. Ask questions. Show them the books of the Bible named after the prophets.  
• I can't help myself but include this link to listen to today.