Substitutes
Substitutes are fine for recipes. When we don’t have any buttermilk, adding vinegar to milk works fine. However, substitutes will never do when it comes to what is truly important.
Long ago angels proclaimed to shepherds:
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among people
with whom He is pleased.”
Luke 2:14
That’s the peace that I want—the peace that came because Jesus came.
I do a great deal of research on National Park Service websites. Yesterday I stumbled upon a page that had nothing to do with what I was researching. The page was encouraging Americans to find peace in national parks.
I love God’s creation. Daily walks outside are highlights of my days. As I walk, I see what God has created. When I look up at the sky in the daytime or at night, I catch a glimpse of the great Universe He has made. However, God’s creation is not enough to give me peace. I love to go to national parks. I find them educational, awe-inspiring (because God’s amazing creations are there), and relaxing. National parks do not give me peace.
Peace is a gift Jesus gives.
“These things I have spoken to you
so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Peace is what God gives us when we lift up our requests and our thanksgiving to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Peace is fruit of the Holy Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace . . .
Galatians 5:22
The National Park Service page said that parks can be places of healing, inspiration, and peace. It encouraged Americans to celebrate holidays of past and present throughout November, December, and early January with train rides, open houses, music, solstice observances, caroling, etc., and to learn how people in the past celebrated winter holidays.
This reminds me of what God said in Jeremiah:
“They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially,
Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
But there is no peace.”
Jeremiah 6:14
In the midst of the terrible Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow longed for the peace the angels proclaimed in Luke 2. His heart was hurting and he almost despaired, but in the end, the peace the angels promised gave Longfellow peace.
Christmas Bells
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1864
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said:
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!”
That peace that Jesus gives is the only peace that can ever satisfy us—or our children. No substitute ever will.
“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you;
not as the world gives, do I give to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”
John 14:27