LOST?

GROCERY STORE THEOLOGY The Magi were stargazers who operated out of Persia, advising kings and government officials throughout the Persian empire.

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them … But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:1-7, 19)

Mary considered all the chaos around her and found peace in the midst of the mess.

Peace doesn’t mean troubles are absent, but that God is present. Mary experienced peace because of her joyous focus on God’s activity in her life both prior to the journey to Bethlehem and as she sat holding her newborn child.

DO YOU KNOW THE

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9)

Do you long to be a peace maker in the lives of those around you? Then choose to rejoice in light of the incredible things God has done for you. Refuse to anxiously stew about offenses received and instead thankfully offer them to God in prayer. Commit to focussing on excellent and praiseworthy things, leaving little room for focus on other things. FIND PEACE

Think of someone who you have been at odds with, someone with whom you’ve experienced a lack of peace. Rather than beginning by hashing out all of your concerns and criticisms, extend to them an olive branch of peace.