Peace in the Gospel Christmas Story

In yesterday’s reading, we learned why Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace.” “God and sinners reconciled” is what Jesus made possible in His first coming. In Luke 1, we read the news that Mary will become pregnant and carry Jesus, the coming Messiah and Savior King. When Mary asks how this could be since she’s a virgin, the angel Gabriel responds, “‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”

Scripture says that Mary was greatly troubled and was trying to comprehend the news she was being told. But even in the midst of her concern, Mary submitted herself like Jesus would one day in the garden of Gethsemane. She submitted her own will to the Father so that His will would prevail. What felt like an impossible thing was only made possible through God. And when Mary submitted herself to the Father, we then see a picture of perfect peace in her song.

“And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.’”

The message of Christmas not only makes reconciliation between us and God possible through Jesus, but it makes His peace in our own lives attainable as well. When faced with the unexpected, we can give a response of praise and gratitude to God because He “holds in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).