Blessed are the peace makers. The tiny baby, born in a manger came as a reconciler between God and man. Jesus came to break down walls, and restore the breech, so lets be like Him, and do the same in our own relationships. Don’t let broken relationships keep you from having a blessed holy season. Let’s see relationships restored. Let’s encourage others to do the same too. Do you know that because you are a Christian, you have the ministry of reconciliation? That not only helps us in our personal life, with our spouse and kids, we can help others be reconciled to each other as well. When I spoke at a Wednesday night service in the recent past, I prayed for reconciliation for family members who were estranged. One woman came up to me right after service and asked that I specifically pray for her daughter who she hadn’t seen or heard from in 2 years. She went home from the service, called her up, and spoke with her for over an hour, and they reconciled that evening. She is planning to come home for Christmas. I was so happy to be able to help to begin the process of reconciliation in their lives. Don’t you know that was God’s heart for them all along? That’s what Jesus came to do! God put us on the planet to do that as well. He wants everyone to know His peace and His presence. Let’s be peace makers at work, in our churches, and especially in our homes. Let’s have homes that are an oasis, and a soft place to fall. Many homes are like a war zone, with fallout even during the holidays. Let’s hold up the standard of righteousness and live in peace, and teach our families that living in the peace of God is the best way to live. He is our peace who has broken down every wall. During Advent, be a peacemaker in your own family, and radiate the peace of God wherever you go. Jesus gave His peace to us so that we can give it away to others.
Advent Activity: Pick one of your neighbors to bless a plate of cookies today! Maybe choose the grumpy neighbor who never smiles at you and you can be a peacemaker.
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