I Don't Want Christmas to End: A 3-Day Devotional With Zach WilliamsSample

Peace in Suffering

“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”—John 16:33

At the end of 2020, most people were so happy to put the year in the rearview mirror. We thought, or hoped, that turning a page on the calendar would fix much of what had gone so horribly wrong. But then 2021 came around and brought with it virus variants, and the news we hear locally or globally might be filled with difficulty, sadness, or unrest. 2020 was a long, long year, but so was 2021. We are not promised that an easy year will follow a difficult one. The world is a hard place full of suffering, and a new year won’t change that fact. That’s why Jesus came.

Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most recited verses every Christmas season, and its context is eerily similar to our own. Israel had been disobedient to God and was in turmoil. They had been living in exile under the authority of godless rulers. They had tried everything in their power to turn the merciless tide but had failed. Their own efforts were insufficient. So, as they looked forward to the coming Messiah who would restore them and make things right again, they envisioned an earthly king or military leader—someone who could do what they had not been able to do. They didn’t envision a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, or Prince of Peace. And they certainly weren’t thinking the Answer to all their problems would come in the form of a child.

Jesus wasn’t at all who they expected, and He is not who most of us expect, either. He is much, much more. He doesn’t fix our problems with politics. Instead, in relationship with Him, He gives us unparalleled counsel, might, eternal security, and peace—no matter what problems we face. On the night before His death, Jesus sought to encourage us all about the realities of life on earth. His victory over death gives those who trust Him joy and courage in every circumstance. This world is broken and there is much suffering in it, no matter the year. But we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas because, as broken as this world is, His death proved once and for all that He has authority over it all. In the good times and the bad, Jesus will continue to give us wonderful counsel, the strength of the Father, a focus on eternity, and peace that passes all understanding.

• In what situation do you need peace in the days ahead? Who is someone you know who is struggling to find peace right now?
• How does knowing Jesus has already conquered the world give you counsel to face the new year? Strength? Perspective? Peace?
• Thank Jesus for His presence in your life and His promises in the struggles ahead. Ask Him to fill you with His counsel, might, perspective, peace, and courage, no matter what circumstances you face.