And he [Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Eph. 2:17-18 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, this Scripture is so heart encouraging and hope fueling. You came into our world heading for Calvary via Bethlehem. You came as the ultimate Peacemaker and Peace-preacher. Advent has, yet again, stirred our affections for you and adoration of you. Thank you for being the hostility-destroying, enemy-reconciling, relationship-healing Savior.
First and foremost, we bless you for securing us in a vital and inviolate relationship with God. Because of your finished work, we no longer live with fear and doubt about what God thinks about us. Not only do we presently enjoy unbroken access to our Father, but also we are assured of his perpetual favor, great delight, and constant pursuit. Even when he must discipline us, our Father does so with a heart of love, not disgust or aggravation. There’s no peace like peace with God.
Though we sometimes offer you resistance, we’re also grateful that you actively work to bring peace in a wide array of broken relationships. You’re committed to destroying all kinds of hostilities and reconciling all kinds of people—in the body of Christ, in our families, in our communities, and even with our enemies. Forgive us when we choose resentment over reconciliation, nursing grudges over building bridges, and rehearsing our hurts quicker than we remember the gospel.
Glorious Prince of Peace, one Day you will reconcile wolves and lambs, leopards and goats, calves and lions. Until that Day, give us the desire, humility, and power to live as a people of peace. For your glory, and by your grace, free us to live as agents of your reconciling love. Life is just too short to get and stay mad. Melt our hearts; heal our relationships. So very Amen we pray, Lord Jesus, in your peerless and peace-full name.