Christmastime is here again! This year, I feel pretty good about the season. I am staying in the moment and not looking too far ahead.
Lydia and I have various holiday plans, but overall, this year has been a practice of stepping back and doing less. That feels like a wise game plan in a season of mixed grief and joy. Thankfully, I can handle it better each year!
On Sunday, one of our pastors started Advent with a sermon on peace. His mom died this past summer, so I know he is sad and missing her. His family celebrations will look different this year, and I appreciated him sharing his heart.
The pastor’s main point was that we can’t have true peace without Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He encouraged us to go all-in with Jesus and not just accept ‘a piece of His peace.’
Jesus came as a tiny, vulnerable baby during a time known as Pax Romana, which was a military-and-government-forced peace. Yet, true peace cannot be coerced or earned. It is a gift from God, and He gives abundantly and in full.
Jesus’ peace in our hearts is like an emotional regulator or umpire. If our hearts are anxious, we should do whatever it takes to return to peace. The Holy Spirit can show us how to do that, but we must be quiet/still enough to hear Him and follow through.
For me, that means changing the channel when a slow, sad song or show comes on. I draw a boundary line because I don’t need to add any extra emotional tension. I don’t want my focus to be on uncertainty and distraction but on Jesus!
Sometimes, we have to fight to maintain peace. After all, we are called to be peacemakers, not necessarily peacekeepers. We cannot live for the status quo. We must continue growing and changing to better reflect God’s goodness and grace.
This season can be rather chaotic at times. Peace in this season will look different than at other times. Most of us have traditions, parties, and obligations. I encourage you to consider what is most important and stick with it.
That could mean doing something out of your comfort zone, perhaps trying something new. Or, maybe it’s saying no to anything that threatens your peace. Sometimes, peace means having a difficult conversation, knowing you must deal with the awkward stuff to resolve it. Whatever it takes!
One of the best ways to maintain our sense of godly peace is to focus on His Word. Consider reviewing a Bible verse a day; write it on a notecard and place it on your bathroom mirror. Or, try memorizing it. Here are some verses to get you going!
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God, thanks for the gift of Peace! Thank You for Jesus! When life gets busy, may we keep our eyes on You. Give us strength and endurance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: What are your top priorities this holiday season? How are you going to keep Jesus at the center?
Task: Slow down and take stock of your heart each day. Check in with God and listen to His soft whispers of love and grace. Then, do whatever you can to stay close to Him. He is the Source of Life and Peace!
