1232) It’s Christmas and my mind goes back to what I know about Jesus’ birth. There is one line from the Christmas story in Luke 2 that I think about almost every day of the year. It’s found in verse 14, “peace on earth.”

The subject of peace is something I wrestle with regularly because my focus is often a judgment within. I regularly criticize myself for the stupid things I say; the ridiculous things I do; and the horrible thoughts I have. For me, I don’t need Satan to sic more of his workers on me because the few he uses are so effective.

Yes, I say stupid things at times. Yes, I do ridiculous things regularly. Yes, my thoughts often contradict my faith and these things alone take even the hope of peace away from me.

What would it be like to have some peace in my life? If I can stand knowing that even though these things I judge myself for are often true, I can know the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:6) I believe I would be able to do so much more for God. I would not allow the bondage of self-loathing to weigh me down.

Christmas is a time to focus on peace. Not the peace this life gives (John 14:27) because this type of peace is an illusion. It says, “When everything is going well, you can finally be peaceful within”. No wonder so many of us struggle with biblical peace.

On the day of Jesus’ birth, the angels proclaimed, “Peace on earth.” Why don’t we accept this gift from God and quit settling for the counterfeit of God’s peace?