changes and challenges.....

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world give do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.  (John 14:27) 

A new year, a new season (winter seems to be returning) and, sometimes, the challenges are "ours" not just with the person we are caring for.  What is your reaction when the changes and challenges are happening with you - your health, your work, your calendar?  How do you handle the planned for changes (retirement) and the unplanned (health)?  What do other people see in your reaction?

This verse is Jesus reminding us, as we celebrate his birthday, that he IS with us.  Emmanuel - God WITH us through all the changes and challenges.  This verse also reminds us God KEEPS God's promises.  In Isaiah 9 we are told of Jesus' coming "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.​"  (Isaiah 9:6 NLT emphasis mine)  We can also think, because of all the gift giving happening, about "For God so loved the world He gave his only Son." (John 3:16)  The gifts God has given, his Son with us and IN us (Emmanuel), AND the "peace."

So........ As we face changes and challenges how are we doing?  What are other people seeing?  Are we staying calm? "Peaceful"?  Something to think about...............