Has this Christmas season become so full of pressure that you wonder if peace is even possible?
In 1999 my family faced heartbreak during the holiday season. Due to unfortunate events, I found myself facing the challenge of becoming a single mom of two teenage boys. My oldest son was away from home and a freshman in college and my youngest son was a high school junior.
I had so many unanswered questions. The thought of celebrating Christmas with family put a pit in my stomach. Not because of family members, but the reminder of what had been lost.
Related: When Your Christmas Isn’t Perfect, Reflect on the First Christmas
With the hope of finding a few moments of peace, I forced myself to open my daily devotional on Christmas Eve. The scripture theme was: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests. ~ Luke 2:14 NIV
I asked myself, Lord, does your favor rest on me? If I answered yes, then I knew peace was mine to behold even though it seemed miles away.
Let’s face it, Christmas can be stressful. We get caught up in trying to create the picture perfect holiday. We worry if we’ve purchased the best gift for loved ones, will everyone get along or what about the final Christmas meal preparations. Will the favorite family recipes taste as good as Grandma made them or will the mashed potatoes be too lumpy.
Before we know it, we have lost the true meaning of Christmas and long for a little peace we sing about at the Christmas Eve service.
Can you relate?
What heartbreak, conflict, uncertainty or loss are you dealing with this Christmas? Wherever you find yourself at this very moment, Christ has promised His peace to you. Christmas does not have to be marked by stress and conflict. We can let go of disappointments, worry, and fear because God’s favor rests on us. He alone can be our peace even in the midst of heartbreak.
This year, let’s choose peace. This year, let’s celebrate knowing Christ alone provides Heavenly peace…..Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests ~ Luke 2:14
We are grateful to you, our ministry partners and from all of us at Nebraska Family Alliance we wish you a very joyous and peaceful Christmas.
Karen Bowling