My
office offers a lovely view of the lake nearby. During a quiet time
while meditating on the Christmas message of peace and goodwill, I saw
four small ducks on the water. Despite the cold December afternoon, they
were picture of tranquillity – at peace in their situation. Quite soon,
those ducks were surrounded by dozens of large Canada geese. My heart
skipped a beat since I feared that the ducks would be attacked or in
some way disturbed. However, that picture of peace and goodwill
prevailed. The small ducks swam around the larger fowl, seemingly
unperturbed by their presence. They showed no fear. Though the birds
were different in size and shape and sound, harmony reigned. In a world
with national, religious, cultural, and racial differences and
conflicts, such scenes of peace and goodwill inspire me. I remember the
angels' song, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace.”
The gospel says, “The Holy Spirit reveals to Simeon that he will not see
death until he has seen the Messiah” (Luke 2:26, NRSV). We find that
during troubled times, many people were looking for signs whether God is
really at work in the world and that the future would be in God's
hands. That was true for Simeon in the first century. As he grew older,
Simeon looked eagerly for the Messiah, God's anointed one.
Like Simeon, I praised God. Although I plan to continue living for some time, I'm not anxious about the future because He takes care of everything of my life. “The Lord is the light revelation to all Gentiles.” (Luke 2:32, NRSV).
Hence, you & I are to carry the Good News to future generations. From generation to generation, Christ's followers carry forward the message of hope. And, we do not have to be alike to live in peace.
As the Scriptures said, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours” (Luke 2:14, NRSV)!
Profile Background:
Robert R. Allen – (Missouri, U.S.A.), Upper Room Ministries;
Prayer Response to this featured article:
We pray that God helps us learn to wait for His promises with faith and anticipation. Do pray for those who wait for the fulfillment of God's promises that they would never wait in vain. We pray for God to renew us in His Spirit as we approach the manger of the Christ child.
(Written by Robert R. Allen – (Missouri, U.S.A.), the unrecalled date/year of published time)
Like Simeon, I praised God. Although I plan to continue living for some time, I'm not anxious about the future because He takes care of everything of my life. “The Lord is the light revelation to all Gentiles.” (Luke 2:32, NRSV).
Hence, you & I are to carry the Good News to future generations. From generation to generation, Christ's followers carry forward the message of hope. And, we do not have to be alike to live in peace.
As the Scriptures said, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours” (Luke 2:14, NRSV)!
Profile Background:
Robert R. Allen – (Missouri, U.S.A.), Upper Room Ministries;
Prayer Response to this featured article:
We pray that God helps us learn to wait for His promises with faith and anticipation. Do pray for those who wait for the fulfillment of God's promises that they would never wait in vain. We pray for God to renew us in His Spirit as we approach the manger of the Christ child.
(Written by Robert R. Allen – (Missouri, U.S.A.), the unrecalled date/year of published time)
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