JOHN 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

To Ponder:

These words were spoken by Jesus to his disciples on the night before is death on the cross. In just hours, their world would be shattered by his arrest and death. Yet in this moment of approaching darkness, Jesus offered them something the world could never take away: his peace.

The peace Jesus gives is radically different from what the world offers. The world's peace depends on circumstances—good health, financial security, comfortable relationships, favorable outcomes. It's fragile and fleeting, disappearing the moment our circumstances shift.

But Christ's peace? It stands firm in the storm. It remains when everything else falls apart.

This is the peace that Christmas celebrates. The baby born in Bethlehem came to give us something far greater than temporary comfort or earthly solutions. He came to reconcile us to God, to defeat sin and death, and to offer us a peace that transcends all understanding—a peace rooted not in our circumstances but in his unchanging presence with us.

Jesus spoke these words knowing what lay ahead: the cross, the resurrection, and his return to the Father. He knew his disciples would face trials, persecution, and uncertainty. Yet he promised them his peace—the same peace he offers us today.

This Christmas, we celebrate the gift of Emmanuel, God with us. And because he is with us, our hearts need not be troubled or afraid.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of your peace—a peace the world cannot give and cannot take away. This Christmas, quiet our troubled hearts and replace our fears with trust in you. Help us rest in your presence, knowing that you are with us always. In your name, Amen.

Today’s Devotion is written by Pr Nich Kitchen, LifeWay Epping