By: Dr. Abraham Peters
The winter season often begins with a chill in the air, crackling flames in the fireplace, and time spent with family and friends. Although many dread it, winter is a season to be anticipated and enjoyed, just like any other. The psalmist wrote of God, “It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter” (Psalm 74:17 NIV).
Like winter, the wonder of Christmas is something that we should look forward to.
Have you ever stopped to think about what life would be like without Christmas? This month, we will celebrate something of great importance for Christians. But over time, it has become so commercialized and secularized that many miss its value and meaning. Without Christmas, would there be a holiday when we would gather with our families? Would there be gifts under a tree? Would there even be a tree or any of the other things we look forward to each year?
As I thought about this, I remembered a passage of scripture. The biblical Christmas story recounts the angel declaring, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Shepherds in the fields, wise men from the east, and angels from on high all proclaimed the wonder of Christmas in the birth of Jesus Christ.
His Peace
The Christmas season is in full swing. Stores are marketing to shoppers. Travel, for the most part, is back to pre-pandemic levels, and families are planning trips near and far. Parties and get-togethers are happening. All this is being done in the name of Christmas.
Christmastime is fun, but it can also be stressful. Family members may find themselves at odds. Businessmen and women can become frazzled as they finalize deals to make year-end goals and budgets. Let me ask you a question. In this time of hustle and bustle, have you lost your peace?
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). When our Savior arrived, the angels declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). And when He was about to depart this life, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJV).
I’m not saying life will be easy. But I encourage you to see that God’s peace becomes real for us when we focus our lives on Him, not on our circumstances. The peace of God shows up in a life established on His Word. And His peace becomes ours when we realize that the One who came has overcome the world. If you make an effort this holiday season to rest in His peace, you will have the best Christmas yet!
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! May this be a season of peace, joy, and love like you’ve never known before as you celebrate God’s greatest gift to us—His Son, Jesus. Have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2024!
Author: Tracy Sanders
