Read Ephesians 2:11–22
‘Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household…’ (v19)
Christmas can be a stressful time for many people, especially when it comes to family.
Whilst some families are close and love to get together to celebrate this season, others find it difficult, perhaps still nursing past hurts, misunderstandings and rejection.
It can be easy to focus on our differences, the things that set us apart, instead of those that unite.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul was writing to a mixed church of Jews and Gentiles who were very different in both their upbringing and culture. These differences had long separated them, something Paul refers to as a ‘dividing wall’ (v14).
Yet, rather than focusing on their differences, Paul encouraged the Ephesian church to focus on what united them – that being their relationship to Christ, describing Jesus as their ‘peace’ (v14).
If we have the opportunity to gather with family or friends this Christmas, whatever has gone on before, whatever previous hurts have happened, whatever ‘dividing wall’ there may have been between us, as God’s people we can seek to encourage peace through Christ.
This may be easier with those who share the same values and interests as us but, as Paul encouraged the Ephesians, with all their differences, let us also seek unity as we point to Christ, the One who has made peace possible.
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, thank You that You are the ultimate peacemaker. Help me to be an agent of peace this Christmas. Amen.’
AN ACTION TO TAKE: What steps might we be able to take to reach out to those who misunderstand us or who have hurt us in the past?
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Num. 6:24–26; Psalm 34:1–22; Psalm 122:1–9; Matt. 5:1–12
Photo by Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash
