We continue our journey through this Advent season.

Yesterday, we explored one of the most challenging yet transformative moments in the Christmas narrative: Joseph's story and the peace that comes from knowing God is truly with us.

In yesterday's Bible study, we explored how Joseph experienced God's peace amid overwhelming turmoil. When Mary told him she was pregnant through the Holy Spirit, Joseph faced shock, heartbreak, fear, and isolation. Yet God met him right where he was, not with explanations first, but with identity and presence. Through the promise of "Emmanuel" (God with us), Joseph found peace not because his circumstances changed, but because he understood God was present in them. Through the study of His Word, we are challenged to recognize that peace isn't about the absence of chaos but about the presence of God. When we truly grasp that the Holy Spirit dwells within us as believers, we can experience peace even when life isn't peaceful, and that peace becomes a shelter for others who are hurting.

Takeaways:

Peace is a present-tense reality, not just a future hope. While hope looks forward to what God will do, peace settles your soul right here and right now. Colossians 3:15 reminds us to "let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” It's a choice we make daily, regardless of our circumstances.

God meets us in our turmoil with identity before instruction. The angel addressed Joseph as "son of David" before giving him direction, reminding him of who he was. Similarly, our identity as believers, as possessors of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), must anchor us before we can navigate life's challenges. Remember: you have the power of the living God in you.

Fear loses its authority when we embrace Emmanuel - God with us. Fear gets its power from isolation and whispers lies about our inadequacy and vulnerability. But if God is truly with us, we never suffer alone, we're never unprotected, and nothing can ultimately destroy us. Your peace under challenging circumstances becomes someone else's shelter in their storm.

As we continue to move through this Christmas season, I encourage you to meditate on the profound truth that God didn't just send a message or an angel; He gave us Himself. Emmanuel is not just a poetic Christmas phrase; it's the most stabilizing, peace-filled truth the human soul can know. Whatever you're facing this week, whether it's heartbreak, confusion, fear, or isolation, please remember that God is walking through it with you, not watching from afar.

May you experience His peace that surpasses understanding, and may that peace overflow to those around you who desperately need shelter from their own storms.

P.S. If you're struggling to find peace in your circumstances right now, please don't isolate yourself. Reach out to someone in our church family. We're here to walk alongside you, just as God walks with us.

Merry Christmas Grace

Lars