This Christmas season we have been looking at Faith, Hope, Love, Peace and Joy. All of these mean nothing if there isn't a relationship with God that goes on into eternity. This is the real Good News that God gives us at Christmas, in that He has sent His one and only Son, Jesus as our Saviour, and when you accept Jesus, He brings lasting Faith, Hope, Love, Peace and Joy.

In this passage we see the birth of Jesus foretold who would be called the Prince of Peace. We do not earn or get peace in our own strength, but God gives Himself to us, when we acccept Him, and He is peace. Peace is knowing that you can stand before God and not face His eternal judgement.

For the people who lived during Jesus's time, there wasn't a lot of hope. God had been quiet for 400 years, and the Romans were ruling over the nation of Israel. But then God sent John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, the hope of the world. This is the same hope that we have today.

In this passage we see the story of David's compassion for Mephibosheth, reminding us of the grace we have received from God, and as we have received, so we give as we accept, care and love others.

In this passage James focuses our attention on the trials and difficulties that come into our lives. None of us like to face those difficult times, but when we give them to God, He can bring growth and maturity through them.