Peace To Us

Peace to Us

Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

Ephesians 2:14

When the Amish celebrate Christmas, there is no Santa Claus, no twinkling lights or decorated trees. They enjoy a feast, play games, throw snowballs if there’s snow, and sing Christmas carols. They may decorate simply with candles and holly, but the focus is on the Christ child.

The Amish Cook, Lovina Eicher, describes a few things the Amish have in common with many of us: her love of a white Christmas and a growing family.

We had a cold weekend, with the temperature going down to 2° F, and it was very windy. It’s harder to keep the house cozy when that wind blows. Most of the snow is gone now. I keep hoping we might get just enough snow to cover the ground before Christmas.

I always like to see a white Christmas. I guess we are never satisfied, are we? We should accept the weather however God sends it. Saturday is Christmas Day already.

We will be home and take time to spend the day with the children. Let us take time to thank God for his many, many blessings on this day our dear Savior, Jesus Christ, was born. . . .

Five of us daughters have moved to different places this year. Six of the oldest grandchildren have a “special” friend now. So along with the two new babies in the family this year, the family is growing in another way.

Isn’t that a wonderful thing about Christmas—to see a bit of snow and new family members?

When Jesus came into the family of Mary and Joseph, everything changed. The Prince of Peace made the lives we live possible. Whether Amish or English, we can find true peace, for Christ Himself brought peace to us.

Whatever you do, no matter how you celebrate Christmas, may Jesus be at the center of your celebration, just as He was the center of God’s gift of love to us.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the greatest gift of all, Your Son, and for the peace He brought to us.