20^th December

“I will remove the battle chariots from Israel and the warhorses from Jerusalem. I will destroy all the weapons used in battle, and your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.”

Zechariah 9:10

Look around at the news and it will surely saddened you: Wars, conflicts, betrayals and cruelty. Yet even in this darkness, there is a light that shines brighter and brighter; a light that can never be put out and a light that is overcoming the darkness. This light is Jesus Christ. God, born as man more than 2000 years ago. He came as a helpless babe and left as the resurrected King. It is in Him and through Him that we find peace and joy. His light can never be extinguished and it is through Him that peace will one day reign again on this earth.

Zechariah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah, Jesus, was foretold long before Jesus was born but told us exactly about who Jesus was to be. He came to bring an end to war and suffering, He came to destroy anger, bitterness and sadness. Yet not just to only destroy it but to replace it; to replace it with peace and joy. Jesus’ Kingdom today does indeed stretch to the ends of the earth and is stronger today than it ever has been. People are being set free, delivered and liberated in Jesus’ Name.

One day, all war and fighting will stop forever. There will no more pain, tears and suffering. But until that day comes, let us continue to pray for the peace that Jesus brings. Let us pray that people will meet Jesus, the resurrected King now. Let us pray that this Christmas, the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, will reign in people’s hearts, both now and forever.