The year 2020 will not go down in the history books as a year marked by peace and good will toward men. Even now, I see images in my mind’s eye of the unrest and anger that swept America this year.

But the angels promised peace and good will at Jesus’s birth. The promise of peace was also proclaimed at the end of Jesus’s life, when he told his disciples: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)

Jesus is the prince of peace. Focus on him, and he will keep you in perfect peace—regardless of your circumstances.

Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It’s also available for download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Or visit my website to purchase a copy at shawnamariebryant.com

This week's scripture: Luke 2:1-20