We all grieve one way or another. These periods in life are full of sorrow and pain. And often we ask ourselves the why question… We even ask God for answers… For He knows all, but He won’t always let us know why. And why is that?! Maybe it’s to keep us from more grieve or it’s just that in His big plan we are not yet revealed the why’s. This can be very frustrating, but also comforting. Comforting in a way in which all things are in His hands.

Why the ‘grieve, from old to new’ in these festive days? Because it’s in these times we are surrounded by those we love and are not with us anymore… In my life, I’ve had a number of close people pass away from life. And although I’ve grieved them all different, it still comes down to grieve. I can be very emotional when it’s about the events of life, shedding tears is something deep and meaningful.

Recently we were reading the story of Jesus being lost as a 12 year old. (Luke 2) Joseph and Mary were in deep sorrow of where He could be found. It took them 3 days to find Him! So I thought, at Jesus death it was also 3 days later until He raised up from the death. It seems like a foreshadowing, but only to find Him alive and well! Mary and many others were weeping over Jesus death, while He was overcoming the dead to bring new life for those who believe in Him. This is the message from old to new. New life is waiting after we pass! One day all old will be new, all tears will be wiped away, and to think of all; by the Great King Himself! All glory and honor are to Him, He gave His life. This revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. May you also find comfort in His love for us in the years to come!

It’s amazing how God’s timing works. Our Christmas card has the theme Peace to the World and our kids Christmas school program’s theme was about Peace…

‘For He Himself is our Peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.’ (Ephesians 14-18)

Isn’t the whole gospel summed up in this piece of scripture? Jesus birth was to break down the wall of separation. At the time of His birth the country was in great separation, as everyone had to go back to its city of birthing roots. It was Caesar Augustus who wanted to account for all of the people in his kingdom, but God was doing the same!! By sending His only Son, for Him to account for those in need of a Redeemer. He broke down our walls, He is the only One who can stand between God and sin, us sin-born people. He fulfilled the law to give us peace.

Now currently I’m reading the book of Job. In his depressing time he also is looking for peace. He even said in Job 9 verse 33; ‘Nor is there any mediator between us, who may lay his hand on us both’ Job was looking for Jesus! And because Jesus wasn’t born yet, Job had no hope and peace no more. How depressing that must have bin! Although Jesus did not come down to earth yet, He was already with God and the Spirit. His coming was revealed in the book of Isaiah and His coming was known by God all the time already. This Prince of Peace is our know Mediator. And that Job didn’t know Him yet, was a big test for him. I don’t blame Job, because He simple didn’t know.

So, peace, what does it mean? Freedom from disturbance, quiet and calmness. These are quality’s Jesus has, and what He can give to you! He can give you a peace of mind that is rest for your soul… He does this all through the Holy Spirit. Freedom is what it is, freedom from sin. Because He’s our Mediator and Prince of Peace. May His peace also be with you!

‘And let the Peace of God rule in your hearts’ (Colossians 3:15)

‘Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.’

Luke 2:14

A song of joy, praised by a great multitude of angels. An announcement of Jesus birth. The Lord is honored and glorified by praises in His name.

Even angels knew of Jesus birth, were they send by God or was there a huge party in heaven already at the birth of Christ… For God this must have bin a joyful but also dreadful day, as He only knew what His Son was going to face later in life… But also joyful, as He came to save sinners.

So small, so tender this Baby and so special in all ways. Born in a barn… as poor and low society seen, but oh, if they would have known! The Savior of the world was born, announced years ago, announced by angels and the brightest star of all. What a mysterious, still wonderful way of telling the world!

What does this praise of the angels tell us; that all glory belongs to God. Also in this big event, the miracle of Jesus birth. He sends peace to the world, peace as in Jesus! This song of praise took place in a peacefully scene, where the shepherds were guarding their flock. Just like Jesus is our Shepherd and watches us day and night! This brings us peace!

‘Sing your heart out’- is a slaying, but truly it can be a giving of your heart to God in honor of singing songs of His glory. Even the angels praise God. What a wonderful thought. A Christmas party sounding through the air, may it also come from your tongues these Christmas day’s!

Recently in our barn lots of little baby goats are being born. A reminder of new life all around you.

Although we can see that all through the remainder of the year, with Christmas coming up we remind ourselves of the birth of Christ. Who in all, gives new life! A new life is born, Who eventually will save the world, that is, those who believe in Him.

New life can have so much meaning, because when you give up your life for Christ in confessing He is your Savior and that He died for your sins, is a beginning of a new life for you. As you get transformed through His word, that is the Bible, you grow in your faith.

When a new baby is being born, birth announcements are being sent. Jesus birth was announced long before He was born… Isaiah 7:14; ‘Therefor the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.’ And so it happened! Even the three wise man knew of Jesus birth in studying the stars. New life all around, how amazing in this revealing of the truth! More revealing is done of Jesus second coming to earth; an new life is waiting for us…

So when sitting around your Christmas dinner, remember and celebrate His birth, it’s the most treasured gift you can get. Let a new life take place and rejoice in the hope of His glorious appearing!