As Christmas Celebrations Approach, Christians Reflect on the Struggle of Disunity and the Promise of God's Peace

NATIONWIDE, USA - As the holiday season is just around the corner, many Christians are finding solace in worship songs that celebrate God's long-awaited kingdom, but amidst the joy and festivities, some are reflecting on a more solemn topic: the struggle of disunity.

David Mathis, executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church, writes about how holidays can actually bring out old wounds and strain relationships. "Holidays have their ways of pouring salt into the wounds of broken relationships," he says. "The father who is absent, the sister who cut off contact, the marriage that ended in divorce - these are people we love but with whom we struggle to connect."

Mathis explains that our pride and idolatry have led to countless cracks in our relationship with God and each other, causing painful divisions within families and friendships. "We might not have a better Advent hymn than 'O Come, O King of Nations'," he says, quoting the familiar Christmas carol that captures the angst and longing for Messiah's second coming.

However, Mathis emphasizes that we should first look up from our struggles with human division and wait on God's vertical grace. "The decisive healing of our horizontal separations will come first through vertical grace," he writes. This spiritual perspective finds hope in the promise of a Savior who made all things possible and now reigns at God's right hand.

As Mathis continues, "Strikingly, the prophets not only looked for a coming 'King of Nations' but also a 'Prince of Peace'" (Isaiah 9:6). He writes about Jesus as our Lord of peace, who brings us outside our curved-in selves and heals some divisions. While others remain, Mathis says, "in Christ, we make what peace we can for now."

For Christians living in modern times, this message is especially relevant as they navigate the complexities of social media and relationships. Mathis encourages us to "aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace" (Romans 12:18) - not because it's easy, but because it's what our heavenly Father calls us to do.

Finally, Mathis writes about Jesus' second coming, when God will bring healing and reunification from a lifetime of sorrow and division. "You shall go out in joy...and be led forth in peace" (Isaiah 55:12-13). This Advent season, as we celebrate Christmas with loved ones who may not be present, Mathis invites us to wait on God's promise of reconciliation - both here and to come.

We pray that this message brings hope and comfort to all those struggling with disunity and division. May our hearts be bound together in love, longing for a world where Christ is the Prince of Peace.