Growing up in a cocoon of a loving, Christian family and peaceful household, I assumed, in my childlike mind, that everybody grew up the same way I did. It was only when I went off to college that I realized my upbringing was definitely not the norm! I discovered that the world offered no reason to be peaceful, and no reason to be without stress, burdens, cares, and total frustration. At that point in my life I also realized that one of the most powerful marks of a believer is transcendent peace -- a state of deep, unshakeable calm that exists independently of external circumstances or human comprehension.

 As believers, we serve a God who is the author, giver, and sustainer of peace amidst the craziness of our world. We serve a God in whom all true peace finds its source. The pages of Scripture are filled with declarations about God's peaceful nature and his desire for peace on the earth.1 Corinthians 14:33 says, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace." And Philippians 4:9 says, "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me -- practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." In just a few weeks as we prepare for Christmas, we will be reminded of the prophecy about Christ in Isaiah 9:6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Prince of Peace! -- In sending the Prince of Peace, God longs to make us like Himself, in that we would have peace in the midst of any circumstance. But it's important to remember that peace doesn't always come from perfect circumstances. Sometimes peace comes from the presence of Jesus in the middle of imperfect ones! The presence of God is not reserved for the moments when life finally makes sense, but His presence can change the way we walk with Him. Peace isn't found when having all the answers; it's found in knowing the One who does.

Living with true peace can only be done by allowing the Holy Spirit to bear the fruit of His presence in our lives. How incredible it is that we can have that peace in this world full of turmoil and strife through relationship with the Holy Spirit! He can handle all the cares of the world because He is Lord of them all. May we allow the Holy Spirit to bring heaven to earth, not only in our lives, but wherever we go today, as we enjoy the peace that surpasses all understanding.  .

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

In Christ,
Charlotte Dunham, Elder