Finding Peace During the Christmas Season

It’s almost Christmas! The decorations! The shopping! The baking! All the parties! The people!

If you were to say the above, do you say with excitement and anticipation? 

Do you say them with anxiety and overwhelm?

Perhaps you say them with a heavy heart because of loss? 

No matter where you are at, Christmas is here. Do you find that you don’t have the time or energy to focus on why we celebrate Christmas? Or maybe you just aren’t ‘feeling it’ this year?

Pause. Take a deep breath in. Slowly let it out. Be still for a few moments. 

Let’s take a little look at the words that go along with this time of year. I pray you will be encouraged.  

Hope (expectation) – what, if anything, are you looking forward to this Christmas? Perhaps spending time with loved ones? Or are you looking forward to it being over? With everything you might be going through, celebrating with people is difficult and you don’t know if you have the strength to do it. 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NASB)

Peace (calm, tranquility) – do you have peace? Or do you find yourself in a place of anxiety, overwhelm or despair? 

“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NASB)

Joy (delight, happiness) – do the lights, music and everything Christmas bring you joy or do you find yourself with a heavy heart?

Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”” Luke 2:10-11 (NASB) 

Imagine being with the shepherd’s that night: a serene, moonlit night, tending to sheep in peaceful solitude. Suddenly, a radiant light pierces the darkness, and an angel appears, bearing incredible news of the Savior’s birth! As if one angel wasn’t enough, a multitude of angels join in, filling the air with resounding praises to God. And just as quickly as they appreared, the angels vanish, leaving behind a profound stillness. Overwhelmed with curiosity, they hasten to the nearby town, Bethlehem, eager to verify the angel’s proclamation. To their delight, they discover the baby, just as the angel had described. In that miraculous moment, they behold the long-awaited Messiah, their hearts filled with wonder and joy.

Love (compassion, devotion) – are you experiencing the warmth of love or are you lonely and your heart is broken?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NASB)

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9 (NASB)

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 (NASB) 

Immanuel means God with us. I find that very comforting, do you? No matter if life is going great or life is hard, God is with us. His comfort, peace, joy and love surround us and never leave. 

May God fill you with hope as you remember Him this Christmas. I pray the Prince of Peace will envelope you with great joy as you experience the warmth of His love in a new way today and in the years to come. 

It’s almost Christmas! Christ has come…it’s a beautiful thing!