December 21, 2020
Does Anyone Know Peace? – Luke 2:1-7
Dr. Larry S. Lightner
In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. –Luke 2:1-7
There is a TV special that has appeared for many years at this time of the year—A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie Brown tries to direct a Christmas Pageant. However, everyone it seems is caught up in the secularism/commercialism of the season. The first showing of the special was on December 9, 1965. Nothing has changed much, has it?
In Charlie Brown’s little world, the rehearsals go from bad to worse until, exasperated he shouts at the ceiling, “isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” It is Linus that pops up and says, “Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about!“
With his security blanket clutched, Linus shuffles to the center of the stage and launches into a dramatic monologue for the ages—the story of the birth of Christ from Luke 2.
The impact of the TV special went a lot further than anticipated. Christopher Shea, the 7-year old who voiced Linus’s role, died at age 52. However, he learned the source of that TV special’s significance. “As I got older, I understood the words more, and I understood the power of what was going on.”
There will be a time for everyone to come under the peace offered by God. Everyone at some point will walk off the stage of their life into eternity.
Where will you spend eternity? Will it be in the peace offered by Jesus, or will it be in the chaos offered by the prince of this world. You, like Christopher Shea, will have to decide. Those who already believe have an accountability to tell others the truth to have peace. Will you?
Life Application
While we live in a world full of chaos and fear, God offers His peace through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is not a cute little story; it is the reality between eternal life and eternal death. People go one direction or the other. Do you know, today, where you are headed? You can know for sure. You can contact the author of this blog or the person sending you a copy of the blog. These are folks interested in you knowing Christ in a personal relationship. Jot a note today.
Prayer
- Your prayer to seek Christ never goes unheard; pray to receive Him today if you do not know Him.
- Pray, if you know Christ as your Savior, that the hope, love, joy, and peace that you have will spread to those who do not know Christ.
