Did you know that one of the most popular words at Christmas time is “peace?” It’s true! Just look around at Christmas cards and decorations; I bet you’ll find that word all over the place.
But did you ever think about what “peace” means? Here’s a definition:
Peace Means You _______________ with Others
A kid with lots of peace is called a “peacemaker” and does these things:
- Gets along with brothers and sisters.
- Is obedient and kind to parents.
- Looks for ways to make friends at school.
The opposite of a peacemaker is a troublemaker, and that kid does these things:
- Always fights with brothers and sisters.
- Doesn’t pay attention to what mom and dad say.
- Causes a lot of problems with other kids at school.
So put a long piece of tape on the ground, and write “peacemaker” on one end and “troublemaker” on the other end. Where would you stand on the tape? Are you more of a peacemaker or more of a troublemaker? Here’s the point:
We Should Be _______________
If you’re a follower of God, you should be closer to the “peacemaker” end than the “troublemaker” end. That’s what God wants. Now don’t panic – because nobody is perfect! But if you notice that you’re too far to the “troublemaker” side, talk about it! Admit that you’ve got to work on it, and start making peace. Pray to God that he will help you become a peacemaker, and ask your parents or friends to help you, too.
Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
___________ Came to Be a Peacemaker
Did you know that Christmas is all about Jesus being a “peacemaker?” When he was born into the world, he came to make peace. In fact, there’s a famous verse about it:
Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us…. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Here’s how Jesus was a peacemaker: he came to help us get along with God. You see, by our nature, we’re all troublemakers – even if some kids are further down the tape than others. We all want to do things our own way, and that makes God sad. In fact, it causes trouble in our relationship with God. But Jesus, the “Prince of Peace,” died on the cross to pay for all the trouble we’ve caused. Because of that, we can have peace with God when we trust in Jesus.
Have you trusted in Jesus to be your peacemaker? If not, talk with a leader or parent about asking Jesus into your heart. And when you let Jesus be your peacemaker, he’ll help you to be a peacemaker in your world, too!
Answers: Get Along, Peacemakers, Jesus