Thanksgiving for The Prince of Peace


“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
The original Greek word for thankful in Colossians 3:15 is Eucharistos, which of course is where we get our word: “Eucahrist”. And the word Eucahrist is another word that we use for the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. Communion is descriptive of relationship, specifically the relationship that Jesus calls us to as Lord and Savior.
Think about that! …A life of thankfulness is focused on a deep, communing relationship with Jesus. And there’s no other way to be truly thankful than through relationship with Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace. He brings a settled, divine presence into life that can’t be found elsewhere! In this passage from Colossians we are exhorted to “let the Peace of Christ rule in our hearts… and be thankful”. Indeed communion with Jesus removes worry from life and creates a life of peace and thanksgiving.
Do you have the peace of Jesus in your life or do you often find yourself in a state of upheaval and worry? He is calling us to lay down that worry and commune with Him. Look at Philippians 4:6-7. Here we see this principle described again:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As we move from Thanksgiving into the Christmas Season, let’s consider the Love of the Father for us in the gift of His Son who is the Prince of Peace. While we seek Him with our whole heart, may the object of our affections be fortified with the lavish love of our Heavenly Father, who has given us what we could never earn or deserve. Let’s make this our Advent focus – the unfathomable depth of the Father’s Love for us!
One of the great reminders of this truth comes through the beautiful Worship Song, “How Deep the Father’s Love”, by Stuart Townend:
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Keep this beautiful reminder at the front of your thoughts and celebrate Jesus like never before!

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