We’re right before Christmas. Have you found some Christmas peace? Or is stress reigning over the too-few minutes left to get everything done?
Maybe friends have suggested time at the salon, a bit of pampering to calm the nerves.
Maybe your spouse suggested dinner out, trying to reconnect.
Maybe you yourself have wondered, What can I do to relieve stress?
Jesus tells us something profound in John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The perfect Christmas is not the festive feast that went off without a hitch. It’s not the pile of perfect presents that children proclaimed made them happy. It’s not found in the satisfaction of pleasing everyone on our lists.
That type of peace is temporary.
Next week’s dinner might be a heat and eat.
Children will become frustrated within a few hours of opening the fantastic presents.
Our loved ones will once again become dissatisfied with life’s events.
No, that is temporary peace we chase. So what was Jeus talking about?
What is His Peace?
His is not temporary, or based on fleeting feelings or circumstances. His is that deep satisfying peace that abides inside us, even when chaos ensues.
This year, I learned in November I would be away from home in December. My first instinct was to quickly prepare for Christmas before I needed to leave (the date was up in the air and would not be selected by me). I love to give my family a fun and faith-filled Christmas. We also tend to include many traditions from another culture- fun things, but time-consuming.
I had to take stock: what is truly important?
Nothing, no thing, was more important than keeping the true meaning of Christmas. What good were perfectly wrapped gifts if I were grumpy? What good is a nicely decorated table without giving thanks to God for authoring Christmas?
In the midst of this season, I not only wanted to keep Christ in Christmas, I wanted to keep His peace in my heart, and overflow it to others. His peace would be here tomorrow and the next day, and the days and weeks after.
I know there’s plenty to do these final days before Christmas. I myself am returning home tonight. My plan when I return? Love on my family and grocery shop tomorrow. We’ll do a few fun things in the kitchen- when we feel ready.
How about you? What’s on your to-do list tonight? Tomorrow? Christmas Day? Is savoring His peace written on there? It’s an easy thing to forget, but one that’s sorely missed. He’ll provide it when we remember to ask Him. Why don’t we join together in doing just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I need Your peace. I thank You that Your peace is everlasting, not temporary. Guide my writing of a to-do list. Help me remember to focus on what is lasting, and gift that to others. Thank you for Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.