In a couple of months we will be celebrate Christmas and some people have begun to shop early.  Recently I was asked what I wanted for Christmas.  I know the person who asked was considering a gift for me.  Perhaps there was a time when I would have wanted a new car; or perhaps a new suit; or maybe a cruise.  However, I realize now that the gift I can use most these days is a gift that was already left for me.  The Giver, is Jesus Christ, and the gift is His peace. 

In the passage above, Jesus is explaining to His Disciples that even though they will experience some rough times, He is giving them peace to sustain them.  The Disciples were bewildered and discouraged because of what they had just heard.  First of all, Jesus would be leaving them soon.  Secondly, He said He was about to die (on the Cross).  Thirdly, one of their brothers (Judas) was going to betray Jesus.  Fourthly, Peter would deny Jesus 3 times. Fifthly, Satan would be coming after them.  And finally, all of them would fall away for a while.  Jesus knew the effect that this would have on all of them.  However, He made it clear, that He was "giving" them the gift of peace that the world could not give to them. 

In the midst of your storms, do you experience the gift of peace?  Is it the peace that passes all understanding?  Do you hear Jesus saying, "Peace Be Still?"  We can all take comfort in knowing that no matter what comes our way, we have a gift that Jesus left us to sustain and comfort us.  That gift is "peace."  We can have peace with all men because of what Jesus did for us on Calvary.  Jesus told us that our hearts need not be troubled; nor do we need to be afraid.  Whatever comes, we know that God will take care of us. 

I sometimes hear people say after the death of a loved one, "he's at peace now." I know that it is true that believers who die will certainly be at peace.  But I also know that we don't have to wait until we die to have peace.  Jesus left peace with us as a gift while we yet live on this side.  We know it is a good gift, because He said it was, "HIS PEACE!"