Often as the holiday season begins, even as early as Thanksgiving, peace seems to elude even the best of us. Our minds roam from the turkey to the tinsel within just a few short hours.
Before the last dishes are washed, our minds are reeling ahead to find the perfect tree and shop for the perfect gifts. We fast forward from counting our precious blessings to spending our last dollars on things we won’t remember this time next year.
As we usher in this Christmas season, I wonder if we could try to approach all that it brings with the joy and grace it so deserves, rather than the hustle and bustle our culture demands.
Perhaps, as this beautiful season of Advent begins, this year we could find a way to celebrate differently.
More personally.
More intentionally.
More spiritually.
It is true. Preparing our hearts should be our most important priority. Over any other thing.
Since so many of us seem to be more stressed than at peace during this time of the year, could it be that the enemy has taken one of our most sacred times of celebration and giving, and lied to us about what really matters?
He wants us to believe it’s better to have the perfect tree. Or, the perfect dress. Or, the perfect gift. Or the perfect party planned.
But really, if we get all those things right and miss the perfect Savior, what have we gained?
It’s true, the enemy is in the details and he would want nothing more than for all of us to completely miss Jesus and His peace this Christmas.
Yes, without time spent with Jesus during Christmas, we will never truly experience His perfect peace.
And, if we can’t take the time to share His precious story, will we ever experience the spiritual gifts of peace and joy He promises?
This Christmas season, I hope we not only find time to celebrate His story, but to share it.
That through our time with Him and others, we will truly experience the peace that His life promises each of us.
Even better, I pray we look for ways to share the perfect gift of peace with someone else.
It is true, the very best gifts of the season can’t be bought and don’t need beautiful bows.
The perfect gifts are found through time spent with a perfect Savior.
Just the two of you.
Quietly finding ways to be the gift and share His love with others.
And, being able to experience His perfect peace despite the circumstances of an imperfectly, busy season.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” ~ Luke 2:14
No Comments