Tuesday, December 26, 2023

The Christmas season can be stressful. 

Parents probably feel it more than most, but we often invite the distress ourselves. I know I’m not the best at managing my children’s seasonal expectations, and I might catch a side glance from my wife if I attempt to manage too much. We usually do more than we should. Winter concerts, our “magical” elf, shopping, serving, and cooking the feast of the seven fishes are all constantly draining. Consuming copious amounts of coffee and EPIC bars is my secret to finding “the strength of ten Grinches, plus two” during this season.

I hope you and yours enjoyed December 25th. The tiresome dance to get there always ends with a reminder in our house. My wife reads a version of the nativity story each year before the kids open presents. It’s a needed moment of peace for me. 

For most of us, a stressful Christmas is our reality year after year. And for far too many, a stressful Christmas is the least of their worries. I’ve been there before, and I don’t know what the outcome would have been if I hadn’t known there is peace to be found both within and after the storm.

John 14:27
“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.”  

The birth of Jesus as well as the other accounts of his life in the Bible hold many truths to lead us to eternal peace right here, right now. Our world has always needed peace, but humans are incapable of delivering such tranquility on our own. We must remember, and act upon the fact, that letting Jesus into our hearts is the only way to dispel the disturbances in our lives. 

Seeking and accepting Jesus is the one true eternal peace.  

Questions: 
Do you feel more stressed during Christmas? How do you try to bring peace into your life?

Next Steps: 
Spend time in prayer to deepen your relationship with God. Take time to sit quietly in God’s peaceful presence, listening to what he may have for you. 

Prayer: 
Father God, the gift of peace is possible thanks to the gift of Jesus. His sacrifice offers a way to remove trouble, doubt, and hatred from our hearts. Thank you for choosing to love us more than we deserve. We can never repay that sacrifice, but I choose to remember it always. Amen. 

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.