CBS Affiliate KDKA Channel 3, Philadelphia, reports of an unusual Christmas disturbance:
Local resident Alan McCutcheon was busy putting up his Christmas lights on his home, when suddenly his ex-girlfriend, Mary Jo Smith, came barreling through his yard in her car. She made several tours through the yard screaming “Merry Christmas,” all the while Christmas carols blasted from her cranked radio through her open windows. At one point, she even took aim (thankfully, unsuccessfully) to run McCutcheon over.
“She proceeded to do a pretty significant amount of damage to the outside of the residence,” Stefani Lucas with Pennsylvania State Police told CBS Pittsburgh. “The Christmas decorations were damaged, the vehicle was damaged, property was damaged, the home itself [was damaged],” Lucas said. [1]
So much for “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men!”
When we consider the crazy stuff that happens every day, in and out of the holiday season, we understand why the heavenly host of angels didn’t announce “Peace on earth to EVERYONE!” but rather, “On earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor [grace] rests.”
Peace isn’t found in exacting revenge! Rather, peace is found in a PERSON — Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Savior and Prince of Peace.
When we recognize that our sin separates us from God and from each other; when we recognize that we are incapable of pleasing a perfectly holy God with our half-hearted efforts; and when we recognize that God knew this and sent His Son to bear the death penalty for our sin, so His Father could declare us righteous, forgiven and free to forgive others — THEN, and only then, can we find that peace for ourselves. It’s a gift we must receive and then we can share it.
Maybe as she awaits trial, Mary Jo Smith can find time to ponder the words of the Christmas music her car stereo blared as her spinning wheels tore up Mr. McCutcheon’s yard.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
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“Police: Motorist Tried To Run Over Ex As He Put Up Lights,” by CBS/AP, published Philadelphia CBS Affiliate KDKA, Channel 3, December 7, 2016.