Peace on Earth

God is sometimes so mysterious in His plan for us that we almost despair while we are being infinitely blessed.

I can't even describe the panic that I felt when I found out that I was expecting Laney. I only had a couple of months of practice at being a mother. I wasn't sure about caring for two children, especially two babies. I was scared that Marley would lack for the attention she needed and I didn't know how we would be able to provide for both of them. But I'm three years into this adventure now and I can't fathom a life without Laney.

God knew I needed her. But I didn't know. I didn't know what we were going to do. But God did.

So, when it comes to this time of year, I can identify with the fear Mary must have felt. Oh, I know, she knew her child was of the Holy Spirit. That doesn't mean that she didn't fear the ridicule and speculation, the possible loss of her fiance. I know that her mind was awash in a thousand thoughts and prayers and what-ifs. I imagine she came pretty close to panic until God sent her peace.

Peace on earth.

For the first time, real peace was experienced, by Mary. How do I know that Mary was the first person to experience peace? Because she was the first to know Immanuel. (Luke 1:46-55)

That's why the angels proclaimed to the shepherds, "on earth, peace. . . " Prior to that moment how could anyone know peace? Not the absence of war--a serenity of spirit. Peace that passes understanding. Not as the world gives, the peace that God gives. We could not know peace before God was with us.

A blessing we could not imagine. But God could. Just what we needed, God gave. Just when we needed it. Just like He always does.

Peace on earth. . .