Advent Devotion - Day 22

DECEMBER 22 – Matthew 2: 1-6

By: Johan & Anita Bergh

As I read through the story, words other than those of this beautiful scene jump out at me--the part
where King Herod hears of the three men seeking the Jesus. The passage says he was “deeply disturbed”.
Another translation says Herod was “filled with fear”, And another says he was “very upset”. Herod had
heard that this babe born in Bethlehem would someday be a king, so his fear was that his status as ruler
would be replaced by “King Jesus” . But wait, another passage says that the shepherds visited by the angels
who declared the birth of Jesus, were also “filled with fear” at this announcement. But this fear was
mixed with the startling, unbelievable message that Jesus was born, the Messiah. This announcement
was followed by the comforting words “Glory to God in the highest and “PEACE ON EARTH to those
with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14 NLT). The shepherds were no less startled by the message of
the birth than they were at the message of “peace”.
We offer “Peace be with you” at worship; we use the phrase, “God’s Peace” in letters of greeting.
Recently, in study sessions I became aware of new meanings and were given fresh insights;
>Peace is not the absence of fear: it is the insertion of comfort and confidence in the midst of a
fearful situation. Peace is the underlying state of the heart 24/7, thereby bringing us safely through daily
exasperation or crisis situations.
>Peace for the believer is freedom from worry. Philippians 4:6 & 7:9” Don’t worry about anything;
instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done”. (NLT) Then
you will experience GOD’S PEACE, which exceeds anything we can understand. His PEACE will guard
your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer
Dear Lord, we are not filled with fear at the birth of Jesus. Rather, we are filled with awe and astonishment
as were the shepherds .Time and time again we experience or have a tiny glimpse of the PEACE that is
ours in the midst of worry or fearful situations. During this Advent and Christmas season, help us to share the
PEACE during our worship settings, not only with our lips but with our hearts. Amen.

Family Moment
Imagine a star so big and bright everyone could see it. This is how the Star of Bethlehem appeared the
night Jesus was born. This star was a light for all to see and follow. From that night in Bethlehem, God
was showing us the way to follow Him, follow His light. Make your own Star of Bethlehem. Decorate
it to shine bright. Hang it somewhere in your house so you can see it and remember that God is our star. God is the light in our lives.