As I write this newsletter to you, all signs around me point to the possibility of peace. The Christmas tree still glows in the background while strains of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear stream to me via Pandora. Everyone in the house has gone to bed, and our neighborhood has fallen into a quiet slumber. Yet even in these serene surroundings at the dawn of another New Year, I find myself at the computer-not really at rest.

You see, like many of you, I’m burdened by the events of the past month. The lives of innocents were taken in the United States, and their loved ones, friends, classmates, and neighbors will never be the same. Indeed, many of us feel like life cannot be the same after such a tragic event. As a parent and an educator, this heartbreaking incident has shaken me to the core. This is when I wonder again: will peace on Earth ever be possible?

I cannot explain why the shooting in Newton happened, but I do know the One who holds all the answers. It was to Him I cried out that devastating Friday. It is to the Lord that I have continued to pray each and every day since. It’s in Scripture that I sought a serenity that seemed impossible.

As always, I found solace in God’s Word. And the straightforward answer to my question came in a familiar portion of Scripture:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

In John 16, Jesus gave His followers a glimpse of the season ahead of them. Life on Earth would be difficult, especially for those who choose to be faithful to God. But notice in this verse He also spoke of peace. How can that be possible with the promise of problems and pain? Only because the Lord Jesus overcame the power of sin and all its consequences! In Him we can find rest.

A few chapters earlier, Jesus reminded the disciples about the kind of peace He makes available:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

These words not only comfort me, but they also convict me. I’ve been singing songs about “peace on the Earth, good will toward men” for weeks, but do I truly believe this? Most importantly, how do my uneasy feelings impact those around me who desperately need the answer I should already know: Christ is in control! The Lord hasn’t lost command of His Creation; actually, He has been quite clear about the unsettled nature of life in a fallen world.

Yes, there will be trouble-but Jesus asks us to keep trusting. Some days will be frightening, but we are told to “fear not.” The only way this will be possible is by finding that peace the world can never provide. This kind of calm comes right from Heaven to each of our hearts and homes when we trust in Jesus-and in Him alone.

Please join Sonkist Ministries in praying for the people of Newton-especially for the comfort that only God can give.

Thought of the Month

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace . . .”

Colossians 3:15

What to do about Conflict at Christmas by Sonkist Ministries on Mixcloud

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Should we Celebrate Xmas? by Sonkist Ministries on Mixcloud

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In November of 2010, I found myself searching for a devotion book for couples. The reason for this quest was the upcoming first anniversary that our son and his new wife would be celebrating. Despite looking through countless shelves at bookstores and online sources, my efforts fell short of my expectations.

Although disappointed, my search wasn’t without resolution. I definitely felt the Lord calling me to write what I’d hoped to share with Ryan and Lindsey-and with other couples no matter where they were in their marital journey. So 2011 became dedicated to time in God’s Word and a determination to focus on those topics Christian couples need to be encouraged about, especially the hope the Lord offers for a new beginning each and every day of our lives!

Much of the spring and summer of 2012 has been spent editing and putting the finishing touches on this devotional, and now all of us at Sonkist Ministries are happy to share New Beginnings: Devotions to Develop the Greatest Romance with you. Here’s an excerpt from December, Time to Celebrate:

December 19^th

Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news,
who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah,
and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you . . .

Nahum 1:15a

We attended another Christmas party recently and were reminded of why it is so much fun to celebrate. Friends laughed as they told one another jokes. Great food was served-and we had lots of good conversation while we ate around the large table. Afterward, we had a crazy White Elephant gift exchange, which generated more laughter that lasted long into the night. In fact, it was hard to leave even though it was getting late.

This season makes it easy to think about celebrating, but as we look through the Bible, we discover that our heavenly Father has always encouraged these joyous events. In addition to numerous feast days, He urged His people to “party” during other occasions, too. As Nahum suggests, good news is a reason to rejoice. Perhaps that’s why Christmas is so dear to us-we get to share about Jesus who was sent to us from God so we could be saved for all eternity!

What kinds of fun things do you have planned for Christmas? Have you set up traditions that are just your own? Is there some innovative way you can celebrate the birth of Jesus-perhaps getting involved with those who want to share the good news of salvation this season? How about throwing a party for family and friends-just because? You can also include some new people in the festive mix, especially those who need to know more about our wonderful Savior!

We praise You, Lord, for providing us with such great news! We’re saved-and we want everyone to know it!

We hope this new resource for Christian couples will be a blessing this season and all throughout the New Year. Merry Christmas to you and yours from your friends at Sonkist Ministries!

Thought of the Month

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:8-14

Faith and Family by Sonkist Ministries on Mixcloud

For those of you who are viewing this on an iPhone or iPad, please listen to our radio shows using the MixCloud iTunes App here. Download the app and then search for “Sonkist” under the “cloudcasts” search option.