“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
It’s hard to believe that we are just two days away from Christmas Day. On December 26, the hurry and scurry of the season will be gone; presents will have been unwrapped; the good food consumed; and memories of the celebration will be stored away in our memory banks for yet another year. What a gift to us this joyous time will have been!
This year, I committed to enjoying the Christmas season more intentionally, or I have at least tried to be more aware of each part of the season. I’ve tried to reflect on the goodness of God, who sent Jesus to save us for eternity; I’ve enjoyed seeing many beautiful Christmas light displays; and I’ve loved decorating and preparing my home to reflect the true meaning of Christmas. Thankfully, the sadness of missing our loved ones who are in Heaven has turned to gratitude for the love we will always feel for them, and for the assurance that one day we will have a great reunion like nothing we can ever imagine!
Except for a few days of cookie and pie baking, which I truly love to do, and preparing for our time with family, I’ve not needed to rush. It’s been one of those years where God has seemingly stretched my days. I’m very thankful for this swatch of time because in years past when I haven’t had it, it was easy to only look forward to Christmas being over. What a sad state of affairs that can be!
As I continue to be grateful for each Christmas, it’s easy to see that being glad it’s over isn’t the way we should end the season. Above all of the Christmas preparations, I’m so very thankful that when it’s all been said and done, God’s grace and peace in my heart is a priceless gift and blessing. Jesus came to give us His peace.
The scripture above tells us that as Christians, we have been called to a life of peace and thankfulness. The closer we are to Jesus, the more clearly we’ll be able to see and experience the peace and comfort He offers so freely. And the more we have peace about all situations in our lives, the more thankful we can be.
I hope you are beginning to slow down enough to experience God’s PEACE. I pray that you will let His peace rule in your heart throughout the coming year and that you will give thanks for all He has done and continues to do for you.
Merry Christmas, everyone! May you be blessed as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! ❤️
Prayer: Dear God, as we near Christmas Day, let us celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ like never before. Help us to focus more on the reason for the season and less on the commercialism of the Christmas season. We give thanks for the gift of family and friends and for the love and light they bring into our lives. Most of all, we thank You for the indescribable gift of Jesus Christ. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow with joy, hope, and peace. I pray this in His name, the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Amen.
