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Perhaps true peace seems impossible amid the stress of financial decisions, the flurry of the holiday season, and the pressures of gift-buying. Maybe the thought of finding true, inner peace seems hopeless when everything is so busy and stressful. As hopeless as it may seem, the Bible tells us how to gain peace. It also tells us what stands in the way of gaining true peace.

NO PEACE

God says twice, “There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21). You may say, “But I am not wicked!” You are probably a very nice person. Perhaps you try to read and follow the Bible. You may be a member of a local church. Perhaps you were baptized as a child. These are all good things, but they do not relieve your lack of peace, because they do not cure your sin problem. The Bible says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God says, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). We are ALL wicked in God’s sight and thus we have no peace.

We lack peace because our sin separates us from God. “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). If not dealt with, your sin will lead you to eternal damnation when you die. “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

THE GIVER OF PEACE

“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ—the Prince of PEACE. Peace with God can only come through humble trust in Jesus. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Because we cannot solve our sin problem, Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, came to earth to take the punishment for our sin. He lived a perfect life and died for you. Romans 5:8 says, “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 1 Peter 3:18 states, “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 explains, “how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day.” Christ died and rose again for YOU! You can have eternal life and true peace through Him.

WILL YOU ACCEPT THE GIFT?

Christmas is also a time of gift-giving. A true gift is one that comes with no strings attached. It is given out of love. Eternal life is a gift, not something that you can purchase or earn. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

God offers you His free gift of salvation. Salvation is available to you if you are willing to humbly acknowledge your sinful condition before God (repent) and, in your heart, turn from sin to Christ. Mark 1:15 says, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Romans 10:9,13 says, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Will you humbly accept the gift of salvation this Christmas season? In the best words you know how, tell Jesus that you are sorry for your sin and ask Him to save you. If you willingly turn to Him, Jesus promises His true and lasting peace to comfort your soul. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27). MWTB