I love Christmas! If you are like me, every year you reflect on sweet memories of Christmases past. (Spoiler alert, I am about to show my age here.) One year when I was very young, Santa brought me a beautiful Sears record player. It had a beige cover, and the bottom was a pretty sea foam green. How I loved that record player! I remember sitting on my bed with it in my lap trying to be still so it wouldn’t skip while I played tune after tune. It opened up a whole new world for me, the world of music.
One of my records was a yellow 78, “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Roy and Dale Evans. Along with so many of my other records, I spent endless hours listening to it. I knew every word. It’s crazy that I can’t remember what I bought at the store yesterday, but I can remember a song I learned back in the late 60’s.
I still know all the words. It ends with “…and let it begin with me.” While I can sing the words, it’s a bit harder to live them, to let peace on earth begin with me.
Let Peace Fill Your Heart This Christmas
How can we find peace during the Christmas season, especially if we are dealing with difficult family members, financial strain, the death of a loved one, or loneliness? During trials, our minds might find anything but rest at night as they are filled with hurt, sadness, worry, and thoughts of “what ifs” and uncertainty for the future.
On the other hand, lists to make, treats to bake, cards to send, events to plan, shopping to do and gifts to wrap can take our minds off the real reason for the season. The noise, the busyness, the hustle, the bustle, and the stress can push us to the point of near exhaustion. We have so much to do before Christmas day arrives.
How silent and peaceful are our nights lately as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world?
To find peace, we have to find a way in the hectic and in the hurt to “…be still and know that He is God…” Psalm 46:10
We long for peace for ourselves, for our families, for the world. In reality, the only way to find true peace is by knowing Jesus Christ because He is peace, the Prince of Peace. He came to earth in the most peaceful way, as a tiny baby born in a humble stable on a silent night to save us from our sins. He made a way for us through His death on the cross to have eternal life by accepting Him as our Savior. He made a way for us to live our lives in peace by trusting Him and being thankful for His gifts to us.
“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
The Prince of Peace never promised life would be easy for us, but that He would help us through it.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Let God’s Peace Overflow to Others.
Once we are able to grab hold of peace for ourselves, God expects us to do like the shepherds did with the news of Baby Jesus’ birth, and spread the Word far and wide.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
May others look forward to being around us because they know we have that peace that passes all understanding overflowing in our hearts that only comes from God. God comforts us through all our troubles so we can comfort others, and what better time to live that out than here at Christmas.
Christmas is about sharing love with others who need it. After all, isn’t that what God did for us all those years ago on that silent night when Jesus was born?
Peace … receive it and pass it on this Christmas. Only then, can we … “sleep in Heavenly peace.”
Dear Lord: Thank You for the greatest gift of all, Your Son Jesus. Help us to remember to be thankful and obedient to Your will always. Bring a peace to our souls, and help us be a light to show others Your strength and love during this season as we celebrate Christ’s birth. Be with those who have lost loved ones, who face financial hardship and homelessness, and who struggle from loneliness and with difficult relationships. Give them Your healing, Your provision, Your shelter through difficult days. Help us all to look to You for our peace, not just today but every day to come. Amen
Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. I welcome your comments, experiences and encouragement for our readers.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. May God bless you always. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with each of us.