This Christmas Celebrate God’s Peace

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Christmas is the time to celebrate God’s unfailing love. Even if circumstances have left you in deep despair, you can know the love, comfort, and peace that only God provides. If you will turn to the Lord for help, He will heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds.

I want to tell you about a family who, in the darkest hours of life, did just that. In 1873, the ocean liner Ville de Havre sailed from New York for Europe. On board was Anna Spafford and her four little girls: Annie 11, Margaret Lee 9, Bessie 5, and Tanetta, age 2. Anna’s husband, Horatio was detained at the last minute, by important business. He promised to join them as soon as possible.

About 2 am the sleeping passengers were awakened by a loud crash. The ocean liner had been hit broadside by another ship. Panicked, the passengers scrambled to the deck. Trying desperately to hold on to the hands of her two youngest children, Anna was separated from Annie and Margaret Lee in the terrified crowd.

Because the lifeboats had been recently painted, they were stuck to the ship and could not be pryed away. With only a few lifeboats most of the passengers drowned in the icy ocean waters. It took less than 12 minutes for the ship to sink.

Anna was found lying unconscious on a floating beam from the ship’s wreckage. Her four little girls were nowhere to be found. Anna alone was rescued.

It was nine days before Anna was able to send a message to her husband back in Chicago. Horatio left immediately to go to his grieving wife.

On his journey, the ship captain showed Horatio the place where the ocean liner went down. As he stood on the deck, looking out at the deep waters, Horatio reached out to the Lord for comfort.  He penned these words, still sung today, as he passed over his children’s watery grave.¹

VERSE 1
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

CHORUS
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

VERSE 2
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul

VERSE 3
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

VERSE 4
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

Photo by Fumiaki Hayashi on Unsplash

¹https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/americancolony/amcolony-family.html

²https://www.pbs.org/video/it-well-my-soul-8dzfrb/

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