Over 2,000 years ago, on a night the world has been pleased to call “Christmas,” a Jewish maiden went to the mysterious depths of motherhood and came back with a given child. The child was given a name…

A name that blossoms on the pages of history like the flowers of a thousand springtimes;

A name that echoes down the corridors of time like the music of a thousand choirs in one grand anthem;

A name that adorns the records of the centuries like the splendor of a thousand monuments built of the purest and most precious stones;

A name that after 2,000 years of scrutiny shines in the galaxy of earth’s great souls like the glory of a thousand suns;

A name that is great, grander, more glorious and more meaningful than all the names in the world put together.

On December 25, the birthday of Jesus Christ will be celebrated all over the world. It will be celebrated in various ways, in many languages, by people of all races. For a few hours many in the world will stop talking of satellites, rockets, and war. For a few hours many will talk of peace on earth and good will toward men. People will exchange their gifts and talk about the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6: “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Lay them quietly at His feet one by one:
each desire, however sweet, just begun;
dreams still hazy, growing bright;
hope just poised, winged for flight;
all your longing—each delight—every one.

At His feet and leave them there, never fear;
every heartache, crushing care—trembling tear;
you will find Him always true,
men may fail you, friends be few,
He will prove Himself to you far more dear.

His Name is Jesus.—Billy and Ruth Graham

Peace at Christmas

The circumstances of the first Christmas were very stressful. There was an unmarried, pregnant teenager. There was a scared but faithful fiancé. There was no room in the inn. There were smelly animals and scratchy straw. There was an unidentified star in the sky.

Yet God gave the gift of prevailing peace in that story in the same way He longs to give our hearts the gift of peace. How did Mary and Joseph overcome the chaos of their circumstances and embrace peace instead? … Their trust in God made them steadfast. …

Perfect peace isn’t dependent on circumstances. It comes from a steadfast, trusting heart. Let’s start the Christmas season by intentionally growing our steadfastness by focusing our trust on God, who is faithful. The resulting peace will point to the Savior we’re celebrating!

Lord, I set my heart on You. You are trustworthy, faithful, and the Giver of the gift of peace. Please fill me this Christmas season. As others see Your peace in me, let them recognize You as Savior. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.—Amy Carroll¹

Hallelujah

This following video features Lindsey Stirling and her beautiful rendition of the famous “Hallelujah.” She shares a message to value one’s life, because our Savior values each one, and to give happiness to everyone around.

Mary Did You Know

A beautiful music video to “Mary Did You Know,” featuring scenes from “The Bible” series.

Published on Anchor December 2016. Read by Carol Andrews. Music taken from the Rhythm of Christmasalbum. Used by permission.