“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NASB).

As the apostle Paul ends his second letter to the Thessalonian church, he prays they would have peace in the midst of ALL their circumstances. So often, we think of peace only coming as a result of pleasant circumstances. When life is calm and all is well, we experience a peaceful feeling within us. But, earlier in his letter, Paul refers to the “persecutions and afflictions which you endure” (2 Thessalonians 1:4). He tells the believers in Thessalonica that they can have peace no matter what their situation may be because Jesus is the Lord of peace and His Spirit lives within them.

In His last words to the disciples, Jesus reminds us that peace can always be ours: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). He explains that the world can only offer circumstantial peace. He offers peace that can transcend any circumstance. Later Jesus says, “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).

Christmas is a time to praise God, as did the angels at Jesus’ birth: “‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men’ ” (Luke 2:14). Through Christ’s life and death, you can have peace, knowing your eternal life is secure with God forever if you have accepted Him as Savior. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, you can have peace while on this earth no matter what trials you face as you trust and depend on Jesus daily.

The new year ahead holds many uncertainties. Circumstances may or may not be peaceful, but you can experience peace within your heart no matter what the future holds because Jesus is the Lord of Peace.