The Source of Christmas Peace
Men huddled in trenches on either side of no man’s land. Artillery fire flashed from both sides of the divide as the evening deepened–the glow of the moon highlighting shadowy figures shouldering rifles as they lay shivering in the cold.
A German soldier nudged another, “Do you think Christmas peace is possible?”
“Anything is possible with God,” his companion replied.
Within minutes, the low strains of Silent Night replaced the rapid rat-a-tat of gunfire. British soldiers began to emerge from their positions and joined in song as young soldiers offered one another a Christmas truce–the gifts of a holiday greeting and Christmas peace.
The Source of Christmas Peace
While we live years away from 1914 and World War I, many today are as much in need of hope and peace as the warriors extending a timid handshake at midnight.
Perhaps you, too, wonder if Christmas peace is possible.
Studies reveal that almost seventy percent of adults experience increased stress during the holidays. In two previous posts, I’ve shared practical Tips to Help You Overcome Holiday Stress and Anxiety and how to let go of Christmas stress. Let’s go core to core.
We can implement strategies, employ useful techniques, and simplify to-do lists.
Like the Christmas truce, we may experience brief periods during which peace reigns but unless Jesus takes His rightful place as the Prince of Peace in our lives, we will only experience a momentary break from the relentless conflict.
Why? Isaiah 9:6 (AMPC) promised an answer to the problem of humanity’s inner turmoil and lack of peace with his or her Creator.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 53:5(AMPC) provides even more clarification.
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
The word translated peace in the verse above comes from the Hebrew shalom which means wholeness or completeness. More than that, shalom entails a reconciled relationship with God.
That peace only comes through claiming the name of Christ. Click here to learn more.
Why We Struggle With Christmas Peace
If the source of peace is Christ and we know Him as Savior, why do the majority of us struggle with stress, overwhelm, and anxiety during the holiday season?
A cursory glance at statistics provides some insight, but when I consider my own life and listen to those around me I learn that we allow the busy to abduct our blessings. Plunder our peace of mind.
We forfeit shalom at the altar of forced gaiety when the holiest of days is intended to draw us nearer to the heart of the High Priest.
We forfeit shalom at the altar of forced gaiety. #christmaspeace
Parties, cookie exchanges, and sharing gifts are all wonderful–unless they rob of us our Christmas peace and remove our eyes from the He who is Peace.
Simple Ways to Be Filled With Christmas Peace
Intentionally worship Christ Slow down enough during the day to spend time with Jesus. Choose books to read during your personal devotional times that will encourage you to remember His birth and focus on Advent. Consider incorporating a family Advent time. Some of my favorite books are listed below.
Pray for family members with whom you struggle during family gatherings. This selection of prayers might be a good place to start.
Lift your voice in praise. As you stream your favorite Christmas songs or hymns and join in song, your heart rate will decrease, stress will lessen, and your focus will point heavenward.
How do you draw close to the Prince of Peace in this season?
In the powerful name of Jesus,
Amen
So true, friend! When I fail to seek Him or remain in His presence, I become susceptible to worry and irritation. He continues to remind me that I must abide in Him. Praying you experience His gift of peace this season!
Yes. We need the shalom peace of God that can only be attained when we have a personal relationship with Him. I've discovered in my life, since my salvation, that when I've strayed from God, His peace leaves me. I start to notice it in ways that the little things upset me, I find myself becoming more stressed, and yes, more short-tempered and intolerant. When I notice these things, or worse when someone notices them in me and brings it to my attention, I know it's time to hit my knees for some 1 John 1:9 time. God's blessings Ms. Tammy, and thank you for all your wonderful encouragement and inspiration this year.