Constrained

The question for us to decide upon truthfully, a Decision Point for you and for me, asked about our peace status. Are we bearing the fruit of peace in the heart and mind, or are we bearing the fruit of unrest and unease in the heart and mind? Whether we care to respond or not, or whether we even try to shelve the answer, at this Decision Point, the fruit which we are presently bearing, in whatever our current situations, answer for us. Our fruit speak louder and truer than our words.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those with whom his favor rests. Luke 2: 13 – 14.

The angels, bringing the truth and nothing but the truth to earth, have proclaimed, in the hearing of all their attentive, captivated, listening congregation, praises to God for His peace on earth to those with whom He is well pleased. Does your faith allow you to believe and accept that right now, in this precious moment, you are one on whom Father God is pleased to bring the Good News? It is the Good News of Peace, given birth, life and liberation to your sin-bound heart, mind, soul and strength. It is Living Peace of the Father Himself, come in the flesh of Jesus. What a wonderful Decision Point! What a blessed and favoured place to be in, as you and I must make a decision about Peace being on earth.

The hauntingly challenging, cautionary, encouraging and constraining words of this Christmas poem, by H.W. Longfellow, penned in the nineteenth century, still hold completely true, fresh and vivid for us today, as it was for those in that time. Even though you may know these words well, will you listen to them afresh, with the ear that compels you to decide where your faith and trust will take you and keep you, in the Spirit?

I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play; In music sweet the tones repeat, “There’s peace on earth, good will to men.”

I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th’ unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor does He sleep, For Christ is here; His Spirit near Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”

When men repent and turn from sin The Prince of Peace then enters in, And grace imparts within their hearts His peace on earth, good will to men.

O souls amid earth’s busy strife, The Word of God is light and life; Oh, hear His voice, make Him your choice, Hail peace on earth, good will to men.

Then happy, singing on your way, Your world will change from night to day; Your heart will feel the message real, Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Will you, as we come to the close of the first week of Advent, ponder these words and determine, once and for all, in your heart and mind, through our constraining Holy Spirit, whether or not peace dwells with you?

The reality is that many people, believers, you and I included, have become fatigued, frightened, frustrated and totally overtaken by the evils of this world.

In week two of Advent, we shall continue with this reality of the world in which we live.