I love the word holiday. Just the thought of celebrating is something that I look forward to. The word comes from holy, plus day (a holy day).

1. It can be a day set aside for special religious observance

2. A day of freedom from work; especially one in commemoration of an event

3. A vacation

I am so glad that God loves holidays. He not only asked His people to observe His feast and festivals, but He planned the greatest holiday ever. It was "out of this world!" The holiday originated in heaven.

God planned two trips for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The first trip happened in very humble surroundings - a feed trough (open box for livestock feed) for the Savior's baby bed. Our Lord Jesus chose to lay down His royal robes for a season and allowed Himself to be wrapped in long strips of cloth (swaddling cloth for infants). We can easily see that a joyful Christmas holiday can be maintained by the lowly in heart (those who will humbly love and serve others).

The second trip that Christ will make will be the holiday of all holidays! (Talk about taking a break, celebrating with friends and family, dining in elegance...) The Second Coming of Christ will be a time that you will never forget. Put it on your calendar. You can make a reservation by placing your trust in the gift of Christ.  He is worthy of our celebration and praise.

Romans 8:6, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

Romans 15:33, "Now the God of peace be with you all."

2 Peter 3:13,14, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

I have never counted the times that the word "peace" is in the Bible, but I know that it rings and flows throughout the entire scope of the Bible. In fact, in the Old Testament, Isaiah states in chapter 52:7, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation that saith unto Zion - Thy God reigneth!"

The angels also gave a resounding cry of worship and praise as they proclaimed the birth of Christ,

"GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TO MEN" (Luke 2:14).

Every human being knows that there must be some kind of peace available because he is constantly searching for it. If you stood on a street corner and asked each person what they wanted most out of life, a large number would say they are searching for peace. What is real peace? How would you define the kind of peace that you need?

I like to think of peace as total well being. This means that I am contented and thankful for life and for the position that I hold in life. I have a deep calmness and rest within at all times. This does not mean there are never any problems or troubles that come, but it does mean that I can have a supernatural supply of peace from the river of God that never runs dry.

The original meaning of the word peace as it is used in Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind (thoughts or imaginations) is stayed on thee:  because he trusteth in thee." The original Hebrew says that this kind of peace means to be safe, well, happy, friendly, at rest, and to have health and prosperity. The New Testament writers give us further enlightment as we look at several verses that show the kind of peace that God gives through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The original Greek text reveals that this kind of peace means to be at one with yourself, to have quietness, rest, and prosperity. Please meditate on these verses and just see the beautiful life of love and peace that God has provided for his people. Visualize yourself receiving the kind of peace that is revealed.

Luke 8:48, "And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort:  thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."

Acts 10:36, "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ."

Romans 5:1, "Therefore being justified  by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."