Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

1 Peter 3:11 NLT

As we gaze into the manger at this tiny, little baby born in a lowly stall outside of Bethlehem on a cold winter’s night, it is hard to fathom that “evil” would be a part of His life. But we quickly remember the reason He entered this world was to reverse the sin of mankind that has existed since creation began. We search for peace in our lives, but our sinful nature keeps us from permanently finding it.

Thousands of years have passed since the birth of the holy child and what lasting peace have we achieved? We were created to be the peacemakers and God even stated in the Sermon on the Mount that He will bless those who work for peace and He will call them his children. This Advent let us begin to seek a pure and lasting peace through a closer relationship with Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. May we set aside our attitudes of selfishness, pride, power, and prejudices and seek true and lasting peace.

So now when you gaze into the manger at that tiny baby, can you begin to appreciate the sacrifices that baby will make for your lasting peace? Make this Advent the beginning of a search for his lasting peace in your life and work to maintain it.