We’re well into the Advent season and I’m getting more and more excited about celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25. I am thankful for the opportunity to be reminded of the Christ child and the gift He is to me.
In March of 2010, my father was given a diagnosis no one wants to hear. My dad was told that he had cancer and that left untreated, he would live about six weeks. Additionally, the doctor shared that because of the kind of cancer he had and because of his age, traditional therapies would not be available to him. It was a pretty tough diagnosis for him and for our family.
I remember visiting dad in the hospital after the diagnosis. I remember that we all had heavy hearts and we were all pretty shook up. I remember my dad telling me that day that he was going to be okay. I remember thinking, “no, dad … you’re really not okay this time.” As we talked he shared with me that for him, it was just a “moving on” from this life to his eternal life with Jesus. He was certain that his life wasn’t going to end; it was going to continue in heaven. He specifically said that he was at peace with God.
As I think about that example of peace I’m even more convinced that the only true peace comes from knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Jesus chose to come to earth and ultimately die for us so that we might have eternal life and a real peace.
My pastor shared it well when he said, “If you want to know the peace of God, you need to be AT peace WITH God!” And, the only way to be a peace with God is to know His Son, the Prince of Peace … Jesus, the baby we celebrate this holiday season.
As the weeks and what turned into months passed it wasn’t always good for dad … but I am thankful for the peace that was my dad’s that first day. I am thankful for the example he gave us as he testified to the knowledge that His Savior, Jesus Christ was enough for him.
Take time today to thank God for His gift, The Gift … Jesus … the Prince of Peace!
Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.
