Peace On Earth
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Friends, this time of year can be overwhelming. It can be a source of stress, anxiety, worry, and heaviness. As followers of Jesus, we know we are supposed to lay those feelings down at the foot of the cross and surrender them over to Him, but as humans, we often contend with the internal battle of control. We try to control things like making sure everything in our homes looks and feels perfect, making sure those around us are cared for and feel loved, and making sure we have everything we need to make this Christmas extra special.
We so often become so caught up with these thoughts that we only ever get to focus on what is on the outside, and before we know it there is another Christmas gone by where we have forgotten to focus on what we needed on the inside, within our hearts and souls. We desperately need rest, we need stillness, we need peace. However, we cannot gain these by our efforts to control them. They are only made possible through being in Jesus’ presence. There is peace on earth because the Prince of Peace has come to earth.
Is there something you are going through right now that is keeping you from experiencing His peace within your soul? What is keeping you from laying it down and surrendering it over to Jesus? You only stand to lose your burden and gain His peace.
Jesus is our source of peace, not this world, not our jobs, not our families, not our friends, not our governments, no one else, ONLY JESUS.
I am a recovering people pleaser and have always put others’ needs before my own. That included my own peace and joy. I found myself robbing myself and my family of a calmness in this season that took away from the true meaning of Christmas because I was looking out at everyone else, and what they wanted instead of seeking what He wanted. We are not responsible for everyone else’s peace.
I challenge you this season to take a step back, not fill your calendars so that you are left with exhaustion. Say no when needed and yes to the things that will draw you closer to the Prince of Peace.
We have the favor of God. We have been given His peace. We only need to receive it.
Prayer: Father, Thank you for your grace, love, and patience with us. Thank you for being our peace in a world filled with chaos. Please help us to quiet our minds, bodies, and souls this season so that we can reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Guide us to wisely choose what we say yes to, what we say no to, what we should pick up, and what we need to put down. We want to live lives of peace because that is who you are and what you offer freely to us as our Prince of Peace. Help us to draw closer to you, call us to sit at your feet, and into your presence to listen for your still small whispers over the noise around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!
