As Andy Williams proclaims in the optimistic Christmas song, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is when the world celebrates joy, peace on earth and goodwill toward men. For Christians, this is based on the birth of Jesus Christ who is called Immanuel (“God with us”). We celebrate the reconciliation we have with God through Jesus, and sing of the joy and peace He brings.
For those who do not believe in Jesus but still celebrate Christmas, where do they find joy, peace and goodwill toward men? If the world is trying to find hope in the goodness of mankind, wouldn’t Christmas be the most depressing time of the year? Both the past and present betray mankind’s inability to live in peace. Yet Christians do not present much of a case for peace either. The biblical concept of “shalom” means so much more than a ceasefire, and most Christians do not live this out.
Join us tomorrow on worship.vintage21.com as we examine Jesus as Prince of Peace. On Thursday we’ll release a new song for @V21Church’s service at the West Street campus. Please join in the conversation by leaving comments, verses and questions, or email matt at vintage21.com with questions, ideas, or topics you’re interested in.
Matt Stevens is the Worship Pastor for Vintage21 Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact him via Twitter: @MattStevensNC