A little reflection as we approach the season of Advent and the lead up to one of my favourite times of the year, Christmas.

You might like to listen to this song Behold our King.

We live at a time when it is almost impossible to determine truth from fiction as the internet pounds us with so much that is either not wholly true, is fake or is seeded with part truth and part directional indoctrination. Much of what we read or look at makes sad reading as we are encouraged to target specific groups, countries or individuals. Now we could simply switch off, but that's not my way. I read things, check them out and pray over them. God gives both direction and peace if we will turn to him and not the latest political or social "stars". Peace often seems hard to find. Yet, scripture tells us that there is a bringer of peace.

(Isa 9:6)  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

One follower of this "Prince of Peace" wrote

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 

the courage to change the things I can, 

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 

enjoying one moment at a time; 

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; 

taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, 

not as I would have it; 

trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; 

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life 

and supremely happy with You forever in the next."

The writer, I think, understood something that calls out to us all in these days. We can all make a difference, the key is knowing where we can and where we can't and in that we can all find a peace that gives us both grace and courage. Living as Jesus would have us live means we are prepared to be transformed, changed, by His Spirit working through us and so achieve all that he directs us to do. Many over the centuries have found that allowing Jesus to be in control allowed them to achieve far reaching change in our world. Many others have kept on at the smaller, less noticed, by humanity, things. God notices them all.

As we travel down that road towards Christmas and all of the things that may mean to you, or not, let me encourage you to find time to look for peace, in the business, the costs, the hopes and everything else that the season brings.

As you, hopefully, find some times to seek and find peace in this season, a few  things to maybe help to reflect on.

(Psa 29:11)  The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

(Joh 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.

Jesus is the prince of peace, a song to listen to.