A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Tsunami by Hokusai 19th Century

'Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.' Psalm 91:1-3 (NLT)

A tsunami of crisis aptly described 2023; it was a most challenging year for the Lee family. Pat started treatment for T-cell Lymphoma which has lasted for more than a year. It was one relentless cycle of different chemotherapy drugs after another. It took a toll on Pat's health, immune system, weight and energy. Debbie and Becky, our two daughter, were tested as potential donors for a allogenic stem cell transplant for Pat on 22 February 2024. Debbie has been selected to be the donor and she is back in Singapore for medical examinations, tests and mobilisation of stem cells. 

We hope and pray that Pat will achieve remission and be cured of the Lymphoma. Family members and many friends from around the world are joining us in prayer. Above these prayers, we know that we are at God's disposal entirely and His will shall prevail in our lives.

At such times of prayers and seeking assistance from God, we are reminded that God will protect those He loves. Martin Luther wrote the hymn of 'A Mighty Fortress is our God' declaring this assurance.

Described as the Battle Hymn of the Reformation, Martin Luther wrote it to rally the reformation against the onslaught of persecutions and opposition. One can imagine the numerous times when the singing of this hymn assisted Martin Luther through many a difficult year, as the reformation took on the might and influence of the Roman Catholic Church

The lyrics are inspired by Psalm 46. This Psalm described 3 different scenes indicating the presence of God in all circumstances.

• The Raging Seas - Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:2-3

• The Peaceful Stream - There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Psalm 46:4-5

• The Mighty Fortress - Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice and the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46: 6-7

A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.

When one is buffeted with life’s difficulties and challenges, it can be a very frightening experience. One problem follows another much like the relentless waves of a raging storm. Yet, Psalms 46:1 resonates across the waves, 

'God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in times of trouble.'

So, despite a difficult year past, looking ahead, this hymn will be our anthem for 2024 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.

Lionel

An Attractive Community

The Sanctuary - Charis Methodist Church

 

'Love each other deeply, because love will cause many sins to be forgiven. Open your homes to each other, without complaining. Each of you has a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.' 1 Pet 4:8-10.

After a long hiatus of more than 4 years, Charis Methodist Church returns to a new church building at Koon Seng Road. The church was rebuilt and renovated but it took longer than we expected as the Covid-19 pandemic affected the construction and development progress. Thankfully we enjoyed the tremendous hospitality of Living Hope Methodist Church who offered us their facilities so that we can continue to conduct our worship services.

Many Charisians braved on to worship together. But being away from our own premises have affected us, both in attendances at worship services and our close fellowship with one another. The leadership of the church faced many challenges including many criticisms regarding the Church development during this time but they journeyed on with faithfulness  and diligence. 

Today marks our first worship service at the new church building. Very appropriately we traditionally hold a Covenant Renewal Service on the last day of the year. As the body of Christ, we renew our covenant with God and with one another. 

GraceFields - The Charis Stained Glass Window 

The Congregation will stand before the altar facing the stained glass artwork beautifying the chancel, which I shall call, GraceFields. Credited to our brother Andrew Loh who visualised and conceptualised the work, this wonderful piece of art depicts the Holy Trinity represented by the Rays of Light breaking through Clouds for the Almighty Father, the Cross for Jesus Christ and the Dove for the Holy Spirit. The Triune God is entwined with the Body of Christ, His church in Charis, represented by the Communion Chalice and Bread. The Blessings of God in this Communion, shines like rays upon the wheat-fields ripe for harvest, the ministry and service of the Charis Methodist Church  

Indeed, when we committed ourselves to rebuild the church building we also pledged to improve our ministry and witness of the church by being An Attractive Community upon completion. What does it mean to be an Attractive Community? 

• A Engaged People. The Christian fellowship is described by the Greek word, Koinonia meaning a communion by intimate participation. It is used frequently in the New Testament to describe the relationships within the early Christian community. The early church members were committed to one another. Like them we should not be afraid to live lives of interdependence with one another. Koinonia carries the principle of Engagement; of Total Commitment.  The Bible describes this phenomenon like a living body with all the different parts gelled in unity.

'Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.' Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)

 

'He (Christ) makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts to grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.' Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) 

• A Sharing People We are a people whose relationships with one another are so deep that we share many things in common. It embraces the concept of joint participation, sharing together, caring of one another. But this closeness may present a danger of hurting one another either intentionally or unintentionally. Society often prevents itself from bearing the pain of hurt by raising up barriers and not getting too close to each other. The words of Simon and Garfunkel in the song “I am Rock” states “I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.”
  
  
  In contrast, the Christian network forces us to break down barriers and to share with each other; our possessions and our lives.

'All the believers are united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not theirs. so they shared everything they had.' Acts 4:32 (NLT)

'Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and be willing to share.' I Timothy 6:18

'And don't forget to do good and to share with others in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.' Hebrews 13:16 

• A Generous People An attractive community means a generous community. It is interesting that the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians used the adjective for the offering he was raising from the Greek churches in aid of their fellow Christians in impoverished Judea. The church is a fellowship of people who exhibit the principle of generosity. We should give freely as we see the needs of others within and without the church.

'..make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift not one given grudgingly.' 2 Corinthians 9:5b (NLT)

 'You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.' 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

'Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.' 2 Corinthians (9:11a) 

 

Now that we have the opportunity to worship and be a church at Koon Seng Road, we must not forget to go to church and worship at one of our several worship services. During the Covid-isolation months the churches were not able to meet and worship services were conducted online. Many of us, at first thought that technology and communications have enabled a new form of connectivity, welcomed the Zoom-enabled or Live-Streaming of church worship services. Even as the Covid-restrictions were lifted and worshipping in person as the body of Christ was made possible, many chose not to come to church but continue to worship online. This will be a mistake. The Bible states 

'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' Hebrews 10:24-25

What is the cement? It is the love that God has for us, a love which we give to each another. For successful fellowship in this community of love, this love is also expressed practically by the ability to forgive and to receive forgiveness; the ability to mend broken relationships. Max Lucado (Ref 1) wrote “In repairing a relationship, it’s essential to realize that no friendship is perfect, no marriage is perfect, no person is perfect. With the resolve that you are going to make a relationship work, you can develop peace treaties of love and tolerance and harmony to transform a difficult situation into something beautiful."

The apostle Peter wrote, 

“Love each other deeply, because love will cause many sins to be forgiven. Open your homes to each other, without complaining. Each of you has a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.” 1 Pet 4:8-10.

An Attractive Community means we are true neighbours, brothers and sisters, sharing our joys and pains. We are united by common experiences, interests and goals. We are God’s Lively People. We are the Body of Christ.

One heart

One spirit

One voice to praise You

We are the body of Christ

One goal

One vision

To see You exalted

We are the body of Christ

And to this we give our lives

To see You glorified

Lionel

Ref 1. Max Lucado God's Inspirational Promise Book, Word Publishing Inc 1996

Let's Keep Christmas

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10

The Christmas lights and decorations are switched on along Orchard Road in Singapore for the festive season. The shops are loaded with goods and the streets aglow with Christmas decorations. Christmas is celebrated all over the world, the holiday and the most wonderful time of the year! It is celebrated by everybody; no matter one’s beliefs or culture.

BeckyAge2@Orchard Road, 1986

Now in its 40th year, Christmas on our shopping street is an annual light-up that transforms Orchard Road into a festive wonderland. 1985 was the first time Orchard Road was lit up. The Lee Family strolled down the brightly coloured streets when Rebecca was only 2 years old. 

There is a reason for this obsession with lights. This time of year in the Northern Hemisphere is the winter solstice. It is cold, damp, dark and dingy; the same conditions prevailed on that first Christmas in Bethlehem dark and dreary.

People needed something to lift up their spirits in the darkest day of winter which this year fell on 22nd December. On this day, the Chinese celebrate the Tang Yuan Festival by eating glutinous balls filled with peanuts, sesame seeds, or red beans in sweet peanut, almond or ginger soup. The Scandinavians celebrate 'Yule' with light and warmth at which time they burn the largest logs they could find to bathe in the warmth and light of the communal fire. They would cut down fir trees, the evergreens, and brought these trees into their homes to remind themselves that life persisted even in the darkest of times. 

Photo by Martin Ruegner on Getty Images

The Romans celebrated Saturnalia on the 25th Dec, a time of revelry in honour of the sun god. By the fourth century, the Christians had turned this pagan holiday from the feast day of the risen sun to that of the risen Son.

Modern traditions of Christmas are the carols, cards and Santa Clauses. Rudolph the red nose reindeer was a story written for the departmental store chain, Montgomery Ward to attract shoppers to its shops. The joy of opening gifts is a gleeful moment of every Christmas day. It is a sheer delight to see the glow and sparkle in little children's eyes when they open up their gifts. The glitter and the glow of this very commercial Christmas season entices people into believing that the message of Christmas is good tidings and good cheer for everyone. 

Now what is wrong with that? Isn't this the fulfillment of the prophecy of great joy which the angels gave to the shepherds? This joy and celebration is not a bad thing, it goes back to the sources of these holidays where at such times of cold, damp and loneliness people have needs. This year, 2023 especially, there is hardly anything nor any reason to celebrate with two major wars in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine. Covid-19 keeps coming back keeping us indoors and away from the crowds. 

But a celebration, both sacred and secular help relieve the stresses of these times. So, Christmas has become a cultural tradition for everyone, every year. I hope that this will not change for many more generations to come.

It is true that the commercialization of the Christmas can confuse its central message. What is Christmas all about?  In a Charlie Brown cartoon video, Linus  answers this question in a his most imitable manner.

Let us keep in mind the central message of Christmas - Christ came from heaven to earth and by His birth, God dwells among us. Share the good news! All religions teach of the hunger for God. What is uniquely Christian is that God reaches out to establish a warm and personal relationship. Emmanuel - God with us.

Worship of Shepherds 1539 Bronzino

'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' is an English Christmas carol written by Charles Wesley and George Whitfield in 1739. Charles Wesley was inspired by the sounds on church bells while walking to church on Christmas day. He started the first stanza with the words 'Hark.' His compatriot George Whitfield came up with closing phrase, 'the newborn King.' The current tune is adapted from Felix Mendelssohn's cantata, Festagang.

As we sing carols this Christmas, let us take the time to think about the message of the songs and the truths they proclaim. We can then join the Wesleys in singing "Glory to the newborn King.

1. Hark! The herald angels sing,
   “Glory to the newborn King;
   Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
   God and sinners reconciled!”
   Joyful, all ye nations rise,
   Join the triumph of the skies;
   With th’angelic host proclaim,
   “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
   • Refrain:
     Hark! the herald angels sing,
     “Glory to the newborn King!”
2. Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
   Christ the everlasting Lord;
   Late in time, behold Him come,
   Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
   Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
   Hail th’incarnate Deity,
   Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
   Jesus our Emmanuel.
3. Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
   Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
   Light and life to all He brings,
   Ris’n with healing in His wings.
   Mild He lays His glory by,
   Born that man no more may die;
   Born to raise the sons of earth,
   Born to give them second birth.

So let's be inspired like Charles Wesley and celebrate Jesus' birthday. Come on Ring those Bells

Merry Christmas!

Lionel

Updated First published 25 Dec 2007

Similar posts on Contemplation

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2022/12/peace-and-goodwill-to-all-men.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2021/12/i-heard-bells-on-christmas-day.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2020/12/what-can-i-give-to-him.html

Joy To The World

© Worship Leaders University

'Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth:

Make a loud noise, and rejoice and sing praise.

Sing unto the Lord with the harp;

With the harp and the voice of a psalm.

With trumpets and sound of cornet

Make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King' Psalm 98:4-6 (KJV)

On the third Sunday of the Advent, 17 Dec 2023, we lit the third candle signifying Joy. This is often known as the Shepherds' Candle and the words accompanying the lighting are, 'Today we light the pink candle, known as the candle of Joy. We also light the candle of Hope as well as the candle of Peace. The joyful chorus of the angels, appeared to the shepherds in bleak dark winter in the fields of Bethlehem near the stable where the baby Jesus was born. As we light this candle, we remember the shepherds who were in the field watching their flocks when, all of a sudden a bright light shown around them and everything changed.'

While shepherds waited for the dawn, and the dark skies began to turn pink, the angel of the Lord appeared singing the proclamation of the good news that will bring great joy.

'And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in the manger."

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 and goodwill toward men.' Luke 2:8-14 (KJV)

Christians celebrate every Christmas with great joy and rejoicing. This is well expressed in the carol, 'Joy to the World'

Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Let Earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing

And Heaven and nature sing

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns

Let all their songs employ

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy

He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love

And wonders of His love

And wonders, wonders, of His love

Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Let Earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing

(And Heaven and nature sing)

And Heaven and nature sing

(And Heaven and nature sing)

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Let Earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing

(And Heaven and nature sing)

And Heaven and nature sing

(And Heaven and nature sing)

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

The lyrics of the song did not convey the usual Christmas imagery. There is nothing about shepherds, a manger, wise men, or angels which are normally associated with the Christmas story. It written as a poem by an English minister, Isaac Watts in 1719. It was based on the 98th Psalm which some say it reflects the triumphant second coming of Christ rather than the first coming. A century later this poem was put to music by Lowell Mason and released around Christmas time and  quickly became one of the most beloved Christmas carols.

Psalm 98 celebrates God as King, it is one of seven 'enthronement' psalms. It can be divided into three parts

• Praise the Lord for the great and mighty things He has done. Psalm 98:1-3 (NKJV) 

'Oh sing to the Lord a new song! For the He has done marvelous things;

His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.

The Lord has made known His salvation;

His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations

He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.'

• Praise the Lord with great joy and worship Him as King. Psalm 98:4-6 (NKJV)

'Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;

Break forth in song, rejoice and sing praises

Sing to the Lord with the harp,

With the harp and the sound of a psalm,

With trumpets and the sound of a horn;

Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.'

• Praise the Lord of all nature anticipating the coming King Psalm 98:7-8 (NKJV)

'Let the sea roar and all its fullness,

The world and those who dwell in it;

Let the rivers clap their hands;

Let the hills be joyful together before the Lord.

For He is coming to judge the world

And the peoples with equity'

Reading the Psalm and singing the carol, one cannot help but be filled by the sense of exceeding great joy. It is exuberant joy!

But what is Christian Joy? Many think of joy as a emotive response, a feeling, as celebration of happy circumstances and oftentimes a mood. However, I think of Joy as a virtue, a gift of character from God. This joy is not circumstantial but given as an inner beauty. It is perpetual not fleeting. This is Jesus' Joy in us,

'I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.' John 15:11

At Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for his followers,

'....so that they will have the full measure of my joy within them.' John 17:13b 

That this joy is permanent and not affected by circumstances is noted by Timothy Keller in a short monogram, The Christian's Happiness (Ref 1) based on Romans 8:28-30. He stated, "If you’re a Christian, you know that Christianity is supposed to be about joy. You probably also know that you’re supposed to experience joy in spite of circumstances. The Bible clearly teaches that joy is available that should make us happy no matter the circumstances. There’s a joy that the deepest trouble can’t put out and, if properly nourished and nurtured, can even overwhelm the greatest grief."

St Paul also stressed the permanence and lasting value of Christian Joy because God is at work in us. 

'And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.' Romans 8:28-30 (NJKV)

Timothy Keller explained that in the pursuit of happiness, the joy found in Christians is always secure, always unwavering. We should realise that the circumstances in any Christian's life, good or bad, are no different than anybody's. Many Christians believe that if we love and serve God, then we will not have as many bad things happen to us. But Timothy Keller wrote, "That's not true! Horrible things can happen to us and believing in and loving God will not keep them from happening. All the same things that happen to everybody else will happen to people who love God." 

BUT although bad things happen, God works them for our good eventually. The promise is that though things and circumstances may be bad, God will take them and work them to good effects in our lives. 

With this assurance, we can have exceedingly great joy. Keller put this very plainly, "Why can you be joyful no matter what? Your bad things turn out for good, your good things can never be lost, and the best is yet to come." 

 

Lionel

Ref 1: Timothy Keller, The Christian's Happiness. 

https://www.monergism.com/christian%E2%80%99s-happiness-romans-828-30

Similar post on Contemplation, Excessive Happiness

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2020/08/excessive-happiness.html

The Elusive Peace

The Straits Times Singapore 10 Dec 2023

'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.' John 14:27

On the 10 Dec 2023, in churches and Christian homes, the second Advent candle symbolising peace was lit. It represented that proclamation of peace and goodwill to all men sung by the angels in the fields of Bethlehem at that first Christmas 2030 years ago. 

But there is no peace today in that part of the world. The Israel-Hamas War at the Gaza Strip entered its 72nd day with unrelenting destruction. Israel launched a massive offensive in Gaza, in response, after the surprise attack by Hamas gunmen in Israel killing 1200 people and taking around 240 hostages. To date more than 18,700 Palestinians were estimated to be killed and 116 Israeli soldiers lost their lives in the fighting. Apocalyptic conditions grip Gaza. 

St Paul in Ephesians Chapter 2 wrote that Christ has brought peace to us by uniting Jews and Gentiles into one people, that is by becoming Christians. The Israelis are mostly Jews and the Hamas militants are mostly Muslims. This leaves the Palestinians Christians in the middle having to suffer no peace on earth.

'He (Christ) made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in Himself one new people (Christians) from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of His death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.' Ephesians 2:15b-16 (NLT)

Unfortunately from the Battle of Jericho to the Battle of the Gaza Strip the people living on the piece of land on this earth, often referred to as the Holy Land, know only war throughout their history. 

There are three kinds of peace.

• Relational Peace.  This is the peace between one person to another, between communities, ethnicities, people groups, nations and religions. This is often the only kind of peace we think about; the peace we hope for. This peace is elusive especially when there is no real desire for it. Many Christians believed that Jesus Christ came to establish this kind of peace but they are mistaken. Violence seem to be the only way to resolve national and boundaries differences. There is no harmony. The Gospel of Matthew recorded these words of Jesus

"Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34 (NLT) 

• Psychological Peace. This is inner peace. 'Peace begins within, at the centre of your being. You experience it at the core, deep within your heart, like a still stream, a millpond of calm, where soft ripples gently flow through you out to others.' (Joy Lenton Ref 1). This kind of peace does not mean that externally, things are always peaceful or there is no adversity. This is the peace that can occur even in the midst of stress and trouble. This is the peace Jesus promised His followers.

'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.' John 16:33 (NLT)

This is a comprehensive well-being, peace in the soul. 

• Spiritual Peace. This is the peace between God and Man. The  reconciliation is made possible by the saving grace, the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave us this peace, Peace with God.

'Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of underserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward  to sharing God's glory.' Romans 5:1-2

Having been reconciled with God we have peace in the spirit.  

The reality is, as the Bishop Robert Solomon observed, "Peace seems to be in short supply, in a world throbbing with tension and trouble." (Ref 2) The Prophet Habakkuk had similar complaints,

'How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! "Violence is everywhere!" I cry but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.' Habakkuk 1:2-3 

We should not be surprised, looking at the landscape of 2023, that the world's population are disheartened, discouraged and disillusioned. World peace eludes us.

But Jesus Christ did come and we celebrate this Advent by lighting the second candle of peace. Christ did bring peace with the first Christmas, a peace that is not what we all expected. 

"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 (NLT)

It is a peace which transcends all understanding. Receive this wonderful peace this Christmas.

'Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus' Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 

1. Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
   Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
   In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
   O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
   • Refrain:
     Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
     Coming down from the Father above!
     Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
     In fathomless billows of love!
2. What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
   Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
   So secure that no power can mine it away,
   While the years of eternity roll!
3. I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
   Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
   For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
   And His glory is flooding my soul!
4. Ah soul, are you here without comfort and rest,
   Marching down the rough pathway of time?
   Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark;
   Oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime!

Shalom!

Lionel

Ref 1 Joy Lenton, 13 June 2022 https://joylenton.com/2022/06/13/peace-why-its-not-as-elusive-as-you-might-think/

Ref 2 Robert M Solomon, The Sermon of Jesus, Chap 9 Making Peace in Troubled Souls and Societies. Genesis Books, 2013

Other Contemplation articles on Peace:

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2022/12/peace-and-goodwill-to-all-men.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-time-for-peace.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2021/10/perfect-peace.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2020/06/costly-peace.html