As Christmas gifts in 2001, just months after the US was reeling from the attacks of 9/11, Drake and I made a compilation of instrumental Christmas music to give to friends and family. We called it “A Peaceful Christmas” and streaming across the front cover were quotes about peace and comfort at a time when all our hearts were torn apart by the aggression toward our country.
My friend Jennifer was playing that CD recently and though she had never really paid much attention to the cover before, she began reading the quotes and felt compelled to send them to me:
Cast Your Anchor in the Port of Peace,
Knowing That Present and Future are in Nail-Pierced Hands
A Heart at Peace Gives Life to the Body
Comfort is the One Thing you can’t get by Looking for It
Peace is a Gift
And the Peace of God which Transcends All Understanding,
will Guard your Hearts and your Minds in Christ Jesus
Hold me Jesus, I’m Shaking like a Leaf,
You have been King of my Glory, won’t You be my Prince of Peace
Now may the Lord of Peace Himself
Give you Peace at All Times and in Every Way
It is Well with My Soul
Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men
Peace is the Most Infallible Sign of the Presence of God
May Peace Reign in your Hearts
I vividly remember sitting on the gray carpet of our bedroom floor in our little Fullerton apartment as I put those covers together after Drake and I had compiled each of the above quotes. I had no idea how they would be even more apropos for my life 7 years later.
Oh dear Father, the Prince of Peace, what comfort to know that today and each day ahead are held in Your scarred hands. Please help me be anchored in You that I may grow in my knowledge of Your peace that transcends all comprehension. Please hold and reassure me as I tremble with sorrow, and allow Your comfort to overwhelm my heart that others may see Your peace and know of Your presence in my life. Amen.
**Thank you Jennifer for sending these to me today!
Thank you for sharing these quotes with us at a time when it is so hard to know such peace. Your family is in my prayers this Christmas season…that you may experience true peace and hope.
Much Love to you…
Angel Makinley’s Mommy
Peace peace…blessed peace…oh the peace of God’s love.It is amazing what all the word "Peace" can mean to someone.May God give you all the peace that you need this Christmas season.
We love you so much!!!!!!
Jean and Gary