Is Peace Possible During this Holiday Season?

by Pastor Tiffany Watkins

Well….it’s about that time again…….Christmas.  Are you ready?  What plans do you have?  Are you concerned about how you are going to get the gifts for your children and family this year?  Has the economy caused you to have less this year than last year? Have you lost a job or on unemployment? Maybe you have lost a loved one that will not be with you during the holidays this year.  Well don’t worry, keep your head up because there is much to look forward to.  If you are reading this then you are still living.  Nothing can be greater than the gift of life that God has given.  If we are still living then this means God has purpose for you even in the midst of what is going on in the world.  What is this purpose you may ask?  It is the purpose of unadulterated peace to make it through every situation. 

Most people are familiar with the story of baby Jesus during Christmas time.  It reads as follows: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (St. Luke 2:8-14)”

Luke stresses the overarching plan of God in human history as revealed through Israel, Christ and the church. Right before the time of Christ’s arrival, the Israelite people were in hope of a savior to the world to come and bring peace in the midst of trying times.  When Jesus was born, Luke points out that the purpose of the savior was to bring peace on earth.  This peace is knowing that no matter what you go through in life, as you trust in the savior Jesus Christ, you will have eternal life and strength to make it through every trial, tribulation and struggle. 

There are many people in the world today that are rejecting the peace offered from our saviour Jesus Christ such as atheist, secular humanist and New Ager’s who believe peace can only be found within our own selves.  They believe we don’t need a God to bring us peace but that we need to search deep within ourselves to find that peace.  Well I’m here to let you know that this search for peace within has only brought more suffering, heart aches and no answers.  The only answer for peace will be found in trusting in God and his plan for salvation. 

I admonish you to let God shower you with peace during this holiday season by trusting in him to bring you peace through every trial and concern.  The bible says in 1 Peter 5:6-9 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

As you cast your cares upon God he will give you the peace that passes all understanding so that your Christmas and New Year will be one that has never been experienced before.  God will do exceedingly and abundantly above all you could ask or think on this year and the years to come.  Seek his abundant peace and watch him prove himself to you like never before.  Have a blessed and safe holiday this year knowing Jesus is on your side!