And He Shall Be Called Prince of Peace

Happy 4th Sunday of Advent! Our journey is leading us to the birth of our Savior. We've embraced each Sunday’s symbolism in the Advent Christmas wreath’s candles. The first Sunday was hope, then faith, last Sunday’s was joy and today, we light the last purple candle to mark the final week of our journey. This final candle, symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

The angels were announcing that we can have peace and good will to each other regardless of what is going on in our world. How can it be? Because Isaiah prophesied years before Who was coming to bring peace! And it certainly wasn’t a politician, a diplomat, an angel or even a saint. It….rather, HE is coming! Isaiah spoke these words in Isaiah 9:7 “And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father – PRINCE OF PEACE.”

Of all the scriptures that we hear during the Christmas season, this is one of my favorites. That’s because I have first-hand experience of knowing that peace that can only be found in knowing the Prince of Peace. He has kept me calm, assured, peaceful and confident during some of the greatest challenges in my life -- dealing with loved ones' illnesses, financial crises, having to make critical decisions and handling day-to-day responsibilities. The Prince of Peace is my constant companion.

When all seems chaotic and questions loom, and I wonder, “What do I do now?” -- the light comes on, and, once again, the scripture, "Him (or Her) I will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Me (my Prince of Peace)." Isaiah 26:3, comes to me. I fix my mind on Him, and His peace always pervades my world, my circumstances, my home and my heart. When anxiety, concern and distraction tries to overtake me, I often put on praise and worship music and I always acknowledge He, the Peace-giver and Peace-maker Who is in my presence, and the atmosphere is replaced with calm peace and assurance that God has me and all my cares in His control. God knows about this life journey we are all on. He even knows the outcome!

So why should we worry, fret or be concerned? As 2020 is fast approaching, we may have questions about what our future will look like. No doubt, we'll encounter our share of ups and downs. But, let's listen, and take to heart the words of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

While we can’t know all that 2020 will hold for us, we can know the peace that the Prince of Peace provides. He is able to sustain us through anything that might come our way. So, peace AND the Prince of Peace, be with you and yours -- today and tomorrow!

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All

I've witnessed so much peace and goodwill over the last several days since the passing of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush. Many accolades and gracious editorials, social media posts and televised stories of this very praiseworthy American statesman were seen and heard almost non-stop. His funeral, yesterday, was beautiful and inspiring even though the tension on that first row of presidents and first ladies was sure obvious. It took the passing of a peace-filled former president for them to be together. But, bipartisanship has been sensed from all sides, except for the “slanted” commentators who used their segments to talk about the “stark contrast” of his presidency to our current president with disparaging remarks. What a shame! My two cents worth here: Every president elected to the highest office of this land, deserves to be respected and honored for the price they pay to lead and protect our country, regardless of their leadership style! Okay, enough of my rant! Back to peace and goodwill!

The words, “Peace, goodwill toward men”, keeps echoing in my heart. No doubt, peace and goodwill have often been missing this year. They’ve gotten lost somewhere in the hate-filled mobs, politics, Hollywood, news media, and even our relationships with each other. Oh, but there's good news!

I segue to another story and another scene. The weary shepherds keeping watch over their flock of sheep. The shock and awe of angels declaring the good news. The star and the manger. The Baby and the hope.

God could have chosen a lot to say that night. He could have dealt with politics (which had their troubles then too). He could have lauded verbose words to proclaim the need for morality and civility. He could have taken a tone like a ruler-tapping teacher and told us all to get our act together. But instead, He blessed us. He spoke words of encouragement and hope.

What if the whole world did the same this Christmas? What if in this season we all put down our opinions and picked up grace? What if we shut our mouths and opened our doors; pulled back our judgments and reached out our hands? What if our angry words were buried and we brought out the welcome mat for kindness and mercy?

Sometimes we forget that Someone already came to save the world. That job has been taken. That box has been checked and the task has been marked complete. It is not on our shoulders. And this is what Jesus told us will continue that mission: “A new commandment I give to you, love one another” (John 13:34).

Peace on earth, goodwill toward men! It’s the good news of the first Christmas. It’s what we need so much more than the doomsday speakers out there. So much more than another television tirade. More than fists and voices raised. And this good news hasn’t changed. I suggest that it's time to spread the GOOD NEWS of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men”! We need to turn up the volume of our peace-filled voices and turn up the amps of our “lights”! Let’s make this Christmas all about love. Which is really just another way of saying let’s make it all about Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Reviving the Lost Art of Caroling

Day 357 of Photo Inspirations -- Reviving the Lost Art of Caroling
Caroling was a familiar Christmas tradition when I was a kid.  Our youth group would go to nearby neighborhoods or to nursing homes to sing the old traditional Christmas carols.  I'll never forget the looks on those precious people's faces who seemed to soak in every word we sang.  But, today, we don’t carol like we once did…. back in the good ole' days.

The word "Carol" actually means dance or a song of praise and joy!   And, isn't that what we should be doing at this time of year -- dancing, praising and being joyful because of "the newborn King"? That's what I saw Sunday night at my kids' church's Christmas Program. There was lots of dancing, praising and great merriment, celebrating Christ's birthday.  I was so proud of Payton and Alexia for doing such great jobs in the program that will continue on through Christmas Eve night.  We heard and sang lots of beautiful Christmas carols.

Perhaps a return to simple core values like we had back in "the day" would help turn the tide of a world that seems to want to squelch Christmas and its true meaning.  Simple, little pleasures, such as family dinners, game nights and holiday caroling could be just what we need to bring back the "Tis' the season to be jolly" times again.

Last week, a group of young people from a nearby church came by to carol in my community in Tulsa.  It was a sweet experience as they came to my front door to sing.  The residents in my community enjoyed their thoughtful gesture to sing for us.    

Now I've attended my godson's Christmas musical and my grandchildren's Christmas program here in Texas.  While we love to watch our kids perform, as adults we just don’t embrace caroling the way our parents did.  Remember the old black and white movies, (It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol), where those folks caroled?

Anytime there was a group of people gathered together at a holiday party, office function or neighborhood gathering, a festive song usually broke out. That’s exactly what this Christmas season needs: people embracing the lost art of caroling again. It might be just the ticket to sing out those wonderful old carols that speak of "Peace on earth good will to men", and "Joy to the World the Lord is Come".  It could put a smile on our faces and a song in our hearts that remind us of the hope that this season brings us -- not just at Christmas, but all year through.

Last Sunday, we heard the pastor's wife say "I'd like to encourage you all to do some caroling this Christmas like we once did as kids.  People need to hear our joy and hope.  Perhaps it's just what they need, especially when they may be lonely or sad."  Then pastor said, "Well, I think we need to do that.  As a matter of fact, let's go caroling this week."

And what a fun, joyful night we had, as pastor and his wife invited our little Wallace crew to come to their house for dinner and then go caroling with them.  There were about 25 of us that joined them, and after dinner, we all went door-to-door singing joyfully.  One lady came to her door and was overjoyed because she is alone this Christmas. We turned her sadness to joy.

Every time, where the residents were home, they expressed their gratitude for our little concert.  A simple gesture on our part, brought smiles and joy to those neighbors.  And while we were giving out, we were receiving far more back in return.  We wanted to bless them, but we were the ones who were blessed.   Maybe you and your family could revive this wonderful art of Christmas caroling this year and bring extra joy in your "little corner of the world".

Good Friday is GOOD

Day 92 of Photo Inspirations -- Good Friday is GOOD!
You know the feelings...you, or someone you love is hurting so much, or your closest family member just passed away .....and it seems everywhere you look people are just fine -- they're laughing, they're carefree, they're going on with their busy lives, and you think, "How could life be going on when I hurt so much?"

I've been there, and I know how life can go on.  It's because of this day. This is GOOD FRIDAY -- the DAY OF ALL DAYS -- that should be commemorated with thanksgiving, celebrations, and everywhere we looked were crosses adorned with neon lights, and music and bands playing and choirs singing -- and we'd see people paying homage and offering tributes about what this day means.

On this day, the most scandalous betrayal of justice in human history took place. Jesus wasn’t guilty of any crime or sin. After the illegal trials, this loving, giving, compassionate, caring, innocent Man was stripped and tied to a post. He was whipped and beatened -- too horrible to even imagine. He was betrayed by His friends, and spit on by countless people.   He was forced to carry a wooden cross to Calvary where nails were driven through his wrists and ankles and He was left to die.   He could have called ten thousand angels to his side, but He refused. Instead, He died there for you and me.  He loved so we could LIVE!

THIS IS THE DAY Christ bore every sin we've ever committed, He carried every sickness we have ever had, and will have.  He gave His life so that WE WOULD LIVE FOREVER and EVER!   How could we be so distracted and be so oblivious to this DAY OF ALL DAYS?  Never again, do we wonder if we are loved.  God thought our eternal life was worth the death of His only Son.  Now that's TRUE LOVE! GOOD FRIDAY!  Oh, happy day!  Now, let's strike up the band and shoot off the fireworks.  This DAY is worth the grandest celebration -- this day marks our FREE PASS to heaven and PEACE on this earth.