Peace
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Full Story Here
Even Arafat's critics acknowledged his death was "a significant moment in Palestinian history," as President Bush (news - web sites) put it. Bush, who had accused Arafat of blocking peace with Israel, expressed condolences to the Palestinian people.
"We hope that the future will bring peace and the fulfillment of their aspirations for an independent, democratic Palestine that is at peace with its neighbors," added Bush, the first U.S. president to publicly call for an independent Palestinian state.
A free state at peace with its neighbors. A sign of Christianity is an abundant peace.
Too often there is violence in situations that are "called" Christian. Abuse in Christian homes or churches between the very ones claiming peace. Much like the verse that says..peace, peace, when there is none.
Consider the peace within the manger of Christ's birth.
"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
(Luke 2:7-14 ESV)
I have been in both situations. Violent before salvation and peaceful afterward. I praise God for the knowledge He has allowed me through both situations.
