Finding Peace This Christmas Season

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Finding Peace this Christmas Season

When you think about peace at Christmas time, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s sitting by a fire as soft Christmas music plays through the speakers. Perhaps you imagine being snuggled up on the couch with your loved ones watching a classic holiday movie? Or maybe it’s sipping that peppermint mocha in the middle of your favorite coffee shop.

Expectations for Peace

We all have different ideas of peace and different expectations for it, as well. Some of us are content with a moment of respite in the midst of the season, while others may feel overwhelmed by the demands of the Christmas season as we crave peace throughout the holiday.

No matter where you fall on these spectrums of finding peace at Christmas, I think we can all agree it’s hard to be peaceful during this season. Chaos is abounding at every turn, and there seems to be no escape. And sometimes, this is rightfully so. We’re excited to find great gifts for our loved family and friends. We want to decorate our homes so that they’re cozy and welcoming to guests. We truly believe that the items on the holiday to-do list are of great importance.

Letting Go for Peace

But other times, we need to learn to let go. We all know it’s true, but sometimes it just takes another reminder: Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. It is about His entrance as Light into darkness. It is all for Him, meant to be a celebration of His life.

Foundational Truth for Peace

So, we need to first remember that foundational truth. In the moments when we’re tempted to be stressed and give in to the chaos of a commercialized Christmas, we must stop for just a second. In that second, we can bring to mind the reason for the season. Even if we can’t form the words or the picture of Jesus in our minds, we can simply say His name. His name is power, and it is enough to draw us out of the pit of stress we find ourselves in again and again during this holiday season.

Perfect Peace

When we say the name of Jesus, we recall His Love. His Love is perfect (1 John 4:18), everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3), self-sacrificing (1 John 3:16), and nothing can separate us from it (Romans 8:38-39). It is only by recalling this Love that we will find true peace. Jesus Himself told us that He does not give as the world gives (John 14:27). Finishing our to-do lists won’t bring peace. Having a perfectly clean and cheery home won’t bring peace. Receiving a fantastic reaction to each gift we give won’t bring peace. Each of these things may feel good at the moment, but it will fade as soon as another task arises. It’s just never enough.

Serving Others Peacefully

Now, I know what many of you are probably thinking right now. I don’t have a choice! I have to get all of these things done. My family is counting on me. Christmas just won’t happen if I don’t give in to the to-do list and finish every task given to me. To neglect those things would be irresponsible.

What you are thinking makes sense. Of course, we want to make our families happy; we want to fulfill all we have promised to do. We are called to be faithful and to sacrifice ourselves for those around us.

But there is a limit to our sacrifices. If, through serving others, we neglect our own health, we must stop. If we continually fill others up but never take a moment to replenish ourselves, we will eventually fail. We cannot be there for those we love if we ourselves are at our breaking point.

Peace on Earth

This isn’t just another self-care message. The point is not to put yourself first because you deserve it. The point is that we are children of God, ridiculously loved by Him, and put on this earth to bring Him glory. As the angel said, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” Luke 2:14 (NIV).

So, ladies, let’s commit right now to letting go this Christmas. Let’s let go of the chaos, stress, and never-ending to-do lists. Let’s release those unrealistic expectations. And let’s hold onto and embrace Jesus and His promise, which was manifested over two thousand years ago. Above all, let Him embrace you in His strong and steady arms of Love. Right now, be present, let go, and embrace the One who loves you. Feel the peace.

^“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)

Peace to you this Christmas Season!