Christmas: Peace and a Sword.

Dec. 17, 2007
Luke 2: 35 “Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
This prophesy was delivered to Mary from Simeon upon her presentation of the Baby Jesus in the temple.
It was right after his proclamation that Jesus was his salvation, and a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel. His confirmation to Mary that what the angels and sheperds had said was true: that this was the Christ, Emmanuel, God with us!
In today’s glitzy culture, with its Merry Little Christmas songs and commercialism, we forget that the Lord came with Peace AND a sword. That the pathway to His salvation was one wrought with death, as the innocent babies were slaughtered in an attempt to stop Him. And even in the one who would be our forerunner, so to speak, in birthing Christ; even in Mary, who the angel declared as blessed among women, there was also to be a sword that would pierce her soul.
I was having a hard time the beginning of December, it being the birthday and anniversary of David. We would have been married 30 years now had he lived. It was something I always assumed would happen. It was another death- the death of a dream. And then I heard a sermon by my old favorite, Jack Hayford on the slaughter of the children when Herod found out the wise men had tricked him. (They were, after all, wise) How God, told Joseph and Mary to flee. How sometimes we can’t stop injustice. How sometimes Hell gets its evil way. But in that, Jack pointed out, although it seems as if the forces of hell are winning out, the sacrifice was allowed to make way for a far greater deliverance. That deliverance was of the whole world from the clutches of hell. Not to the destruction of the kingdoms of men, but first- to each man’s heart, where they let Him in!
Not delivering us from the sword, but bringing something beautiful to us out of the ashes. An eternal life for death. A new hope where despair had been. A peace and power to comfort where God’s comfort has filled us.
And the real miracle of Christmas happened to me, to such an extent that the old songs of Christmas were resurrected for me. Songs now richer and fuller than ever before. Because the sword has revealed so much, and I love God so much more now. An inexplanable, yet palapable understanding of “joy unspeakable and full of Glory” comes to me when I worship Him.
I now know that David is hearing the same angelic hosts that broke through the sky that night and that I will one day sing with him and all my loved ones:

“Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth, Peace, goodwill toward men!”

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth. The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new a glorious morn. Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel’s voices, O night divine, o night, when Christ was born.”

This Christmas, may you find comfort in knowing that Christmas doesn’t have to be all glitter, jingle bells and good feelings. May you find hope in my story. May you know that, though you suffer, still the Christ child comes. May you be able to believe that God will bring new life to you if you let Him in. And may you find comfort in knowing that though the pregnancy is long and the travail is difficult, the promise will be birthed!!

Lastly, may the true meaning of Christmas fill you with Joy. The Lord has come! He’s come for you- and He’s willing to come into your darkness!

“Joy to the world, the Lord has come, Let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing’
And heaven and nature sing,and Heaven,and,Heaven,and nature sing!"