During the holiday season life can become even busier, noisier and more chaotic than usual. The hustle and bustle of the holidays brings a flurry of expectations — planning and cooking meals, preparing for guests, buying and wrapping gifts, addressing and sending cards, hosting and attending get-togethers, decorating the home. Each task seems to come with its own pressing deadline, and the to-do list can grow longer every year.
When we become overwhelmed with all the activities, physical, mental and emotional exhaustion can quickly replace the joy. During the Christmastime, the increased workload can turn the anticipation of celebrating Christ’s birth into dread.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Amid the busyness, God invites us to stop, breathe and rest in His peaceful presence. “Be still, and know that I am God,” He whispers to our tired spirits (Ps. 46:10). He encourages us to slow down, cease striving, quiet our mind, ease our anxieties and simply trust Him. We can practice peace by resting in the Prince of Peace, as Isaiah refers to Jesus (Is. 9:6).
Is a peaceful, Christ-centered Christmas possible? Yes. Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy Christ’s peace and presence in an otherwise frantic season of trying to meet holiday expectations:
How to contribute to a peaceful Christmastide
- Discuss with family and friends celebrating a more peaceful season. Make plans to:
- Eliminate chaos-producing expectations the season most often brings
- Forgo expensive gift-buying and giving
- Limit social events and choose selectively those to host and attend
- Organize potluck dinners, encouraging everyone to contribute
- Decorate homes and yards more simply
- Use social media to wish family and friends a “Merry Christmas,” saving time and expense to buy, address and send cards
- Plan special quiet family times together reading Scripture, listening to music, sharing thoughts and praying. Spend time reflecting on Christ’s birth, the Christmas story (Luke 2:1–20), Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, angels, shepherds and the magi visitation (Matt. 2:1–12).
- Focus on relationships, being fully present with loved ones and making memories, rather than getting caught up in the demands of the season.
- Make an Advent candle with three purple, one pink and one white candle. Ask a family member to light one candle each week, reflecting thoughtfully on the meaning of each:
- Week 1: Light the first purple candle and reflect on hope, focusing on the fulfillment of God’s promises.
- Week 2: Light the second purple candle and reflect on the peace Jesus brings to the world.
- Week 3: Light the pink candle and reflect on the joy the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.
- Week 4: Light the third purple candle and reflect on the love of God and the angels announcing Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:13–14).
- Week 5: Light the white candle and reflect on Christ, the light of the world, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior (John 8:12).
As the candles are lit each week, the growing candlelight symbolizes the coming of Jesus. Through the simple act of pausing to reflect on hope, peace, joy and love, we draw nearer to the true meaning of Christmas.
How churches can help
- Encourage family worship with a daily devotion booklet, guiding the congregation to spend quiet time together as they prepare for a peaceful Christmas.
- Plan a family-focused sermon and Bible study series that will teach and highlight the peace Christ brings to individual human hearts and to Christian families.
- Encourage church families to simplify their holiday traditions to focus more on Christ and less on busyness. Seek church programs that will renew the true message of Christ and Christmas for the congregation.
- Open the sanctuary during the week for quiet individual prayer and reflection for church and community members during the busy season.
- As a congregation, volunteer time and resources to help someone in need, reflecting the love of Christ.
In the midst of a busy Christmas season, slowing down and focusing on Christ allows us to experience His peace in a profound way. As we pause to reflect on hope, peace, joy and love, we can enjoy meaningful moments with family and friends as we draw nearer to the true meaning of Christmas.
This season, may we prepare our hearts to welcome the Prince of Peace into our lives and remember the great gift God gave us through the birth of His Son Jesus.
Exploring the meaning of peace in Christ
- Through His sacrifice, Christ reconciles believers to God. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Knowing that we are forgiven and in harmony with God brings a deep sense of spiritual well-being and peace.
- The peace Christ offers transcends external circumstances. It is an internal assurance that a loving and trustworthy God is in control. Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Christ is present and He is sovereign.
- Christ brings peace in how believers relate to others. By teaching love, forgiveness and reconciliation, Christ helps us cultivate and grow peaceful relationships, reflecting His peace in our interactions with others.
- Christ’s birth, death and resurrection bring the promise of eternal peace, hope that transcends the present. We have the assurance of eternal life and peace in His presence — a future where “He will wipe every tear from [our] eyes” (Rev. 21:4). There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain … .” Our eternal life with Christ will be the ultimate fulfillment of peace.
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