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The Christmas Season is a time when we hear a lot about Peace. People throw the word around like it's the most peaceful time of the year. Even though Jesus is said to be the "Prince of Peace", for most of us, Christmas time is anything but PeaceFULL. It's often hectic, full of expectations and to do lists. Our schedules are pushed to the max in order to fit it all in. And all the while, at least for us who believe in Christ, we know it shouldn't be this way. We know God promises peace to those who love and follow Him.
So how do we shift our focus from all the things that need to get done to the one thing that has already been done for us? How do we slow down in a season that can demand so much of us? I believe we need to be extremely intentional. I'm not going to lie, this is a struggle for me as well. My daughter's birthday is a week before Christmas, I have a huge family that loves to celebrate EVERYTHING together and I LOVE saying yes to all the events and gatherings!
I also know that in this time especially, I have to be deliberate about laying down my stresses and making time to be with God.
For me God's peace is something that calms my soul like nothing else can. Something that truly 'transcends all understanding' as it can come in times that I shouldn't logically have peace. When I struggle to have things my way, or something isn't turning out the way I want, I feel anxious and stressed. It's an overwhelming feeling of not having control. I fight this feeling often as I am a person who, like a lot of us, likes to be in control. But when I sit back and give those feelings to God, when I surrender my anxieties and give up my expectations, God comes in and gives me a peace that I can not comprehend or explain. It is a feeling of true rest, wholeness and comfort that I believe must be the peace He promises to those who trust Him.
'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Phil. 4:7
As you go through the rest of this holiday season, I implore you to spend more time with Jesus; in prayer, reading His word, or in worship, and less time trying to control everything spinning around you. You might find that your expectations of perfect traditions and appearances are less satisfying than the peace that God brings when you sit back and allow Him to take over- that’s what truly fills you with peace!