Sunday, January 1, 2017

PEACE

In a troubled world, how do we find Peace?  What (Whom) is the Source of that peace and how do we keep it with us?

Christmas Lights on Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah


This past Christmas, President Henry B. Eyring shared the following:

"I am grateful to share this celebration of Christmas with you. Our purpose is to honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Our hope is to capture the true spirit of Christmas for ourselves and for those we love. That spirit is characterized by peace--not political peace, for the Savior was born at a time of fear and unrest so great that His family had to flee as refugees into Egypt; not economic peace, for He was born in a stable and laid in a humble manger; and not even the peace that comes when all the packages are wrapped, the trees decorated, and the table set, because that peace is only momentary. The peace of Christmas is "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding." It is the peace that the Apostle Paul promised would "keep [our] hearts and minds through [Jesus Christ]." And Paul was right. That peace we seek is only through and because of Jesus Christ.
 
"Some of us live in beautiful and peaceful surroundings, yet we are experiencing inner turmoil. Others feel peace and perfect serenity in the midst of great personal loss, tragedy, and continuing trials.
 
"To all who have come into mortality, the Savior said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." Yet He gave this wonderful promise to His disciples during His mortal ministry: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." It is a comfort to know that this promise of personal peace continues for all of His covenant disciples today. It is a promise given even on the very night of His birth. When heavenly messengers heralded the birth of the Savior, they declared, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace."
 
"At this blessed season of the year, we--more than ever--seek peace through the Giver of all gifts. I desire tonight to share just a few of the many ways we can increase the peace we experience this season and throughout the year to come and throughout our lives."  -Devotional - Video



In my own life I have found that sincere daily prayer, scripture study and pondering (which I have come to love more than almost anything else in the world), striving to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and keeping all of the commandments He has given to me, has brought me that desired peace.

I believe it is a gift almost beyond compare for whom of us doesn't want it?

By truly seeking to find and keep this peace, we are blessed, comforted, and lead down a wonderful path.  I pray we may all continue to strive to do so.


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