One of the most valuable gifts God gives believers is peace. In Isaiah, Jesus is called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” Every year at Christmas we are reminded that God sent His Son into the world as a baby—a small, helpless child whose conditions were not admirable at birth. As we drive by nativity scenes, we see Jesus, born in a manger with animals. God could have brought Jesus into the world in very different circumstances, but He chose to give us Jesus in very humble circumstances. The Lord Jesus became what he was not; flesh, without ever ceasing to be what He was: God. The manger scene seems peaceful, but it wasn’t. The lowing cattle and bleating sheep probably weren’t singing in unison as the Son of God made his entrance. The manger was in reality a makeshift inn for Mary to give birth. Unlike most nativity scenes today, it wasn’t likely a barn. The manger was more likely a cave, as people of Bethlehem were known to keep animals in caves during Jesus’ time. DECEMBER 1 6 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. JOHN 14:27 “
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