7@7 #109: Lessons from Bethlehem 4

Have you met the Prince of Peace? Has He made you a minister of peace? Pastor/Professor Andrew Marquez reflects on the Christmas Carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem. The Prince Provides the Peace. In Micah 5:4b-5, we are told of an enduring peace that is sourced in Christ and extended to us. As Jesus descended upon Bethlehem, He promised peace to all that would come to Him. Christ ends our enmity with God by paying the price for sin. He makes us whole. Jesus also promised to return again. At His 2nd coming, He will establish enduring peace by conquering Satan and his servants. Jesus will gather His own to Himself and care for them forever. In between these comings, we are called to be peacemakers. We make peace on earth by proclaiming the Gospel that sinners might be forgiven. We also work for peace on earth as adopted children of God. We offer peace because we have met the Prince and Author of peace.

Dr. Andrew Marquez is Director/Dean of Wayland Baptist University's Arizona Campuses (www.wbu.edu/arizona) and Executive Pastor of North Swan Baptist Church (www.northswanbaptist.com).