Blessed are the Peacemakers

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,  for they will be called children of God.

The Christmas truce was a series of widespread, unofficial ceasefires that took place along the Western Front around Christmas 1914, during World War I. Through the week leading up to Christmas, parties of German and British soldiers began to exchange seasonal greetings and songs between their trenches; on occasion, the tension was reduced to the point that individuals would walk across to talk to their opposite numbers bearing gifts. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many soldiers from both sides – as well as, to a lesser degree, from French units – independently ventured into "no man's land", where they mingled, exchanging food and souvenirs. As well as joint burial ceremonies, several meetings ended in carol-singing. Troops from both sides were also friendly enough to play games of football with one another

            During the time leading up to Christmas, we often see people out shopping for Christmas presents. And at times there are tensions flaring in the aisles at our favorite stores as shoppers tussle over the last item on the sales rack or bargain bin. These disturbances are small in scale to the conditions of World War I. But they represent an opportunity nonetheless to act as a peacemaker would act. When you are confronted with a situation where there is a conflict, what is your first instinct? Chances are it is to try to win or gain the upper hand. What should really be our first instinct is to stop and as the big question of ourselves. And that question is, what would Jesus do in this situation? How would a peacemaker act? If we reflect back on the life and times of Jesus Christ from the New Testament we do not find instances where Christ was anything but loving and caring. He did air out his passion when confronted with sacrilegious activities & theologies. But not once did we see him step out of line as the Son of God. He is the Prince of Peace. When people looked at Jesus, they saw His Father.

            And when people look at you, what do they see? Do they see Jesus in your words and actions? If we profess to be Christians and claim to put on the armor of Christ, how can we act any other way than as Jesus would act? We need to not just talk the talk, we need to walk the walk. We who are loved and saved need to share the love given so abundantly to us with others we encounter. Faith without love is an empty, hollow faith.  During this Christmas Season, let the words of Phillipians 4:4&5 fill our hearts. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” When they see you and I, let them see Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, we are too often busy doing trivial things. We are frequently caught up in our own lives and in ourselves. We forget to look around us and see through Your eyes the world we live in. Help Father to see with Your eyes. Help us to be the peacemakers and servants we need to be. Guide us in Your ways to help those You would have us help. This we ask In the name of the Jesus, Amen.