This year Reader’s Digest reprinted a letter from Captain Jake Armes to his wife describing what he called the “extraordinary” events of Christmas Eve, 1914. Someone shouted, “No shooting.” The Captain met with his German counterpart and they agreed to have two days of quiet. Men from both sides met between the trenches and talked and laughed, exchanged smokes and photos and sang songs and played soccer. It was a time of peace. But it only lasted two days. Then the war started again.
This is typical of political peace. It is short-lived. After WW1, in 1918, a treaty was signed and peace prevailed until 21 years later when, in 1939, Germany invaded Poland and started WW2.
Even now we have “peace” and cease fires in many places, but not all. Nor will there ever be complete peace. That is, "political peace."
Because more important than world peace, which only God will bring about in His time, when the Prince of Peace will reign forever and ever, Alleluia! Much more important is our personal peace, which is available today and every day, through faith in Christ. The following Bible verses explain the promise of personal peace that we can have.
Psalm 4:8 (NKJV) I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV) When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at
peace with him.
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Luke 2:14 (NKJV) "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Romans 5:1 (NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by
faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
