FINDING PEACE

I heard a survey on the radio the other day which said that more people do not like listening to Christmas music than those who do.  The majority of people who do not like to listen to Christmas music said it is because it stresses them out. It is a reminder of all the things they must get done.

Let’s face it.  Christmas can be a very stressful time if we let it.  We stress about trying to find the perfect gifts, traveling, parties, finances, things we have to bake, cards we have to get out and so on.  It is very easy to get overwhelmed by the large to-do list that we create for ourselves.  We forget about the true meaning and beauty the season.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus was never intended to be done amidst chaos.  Remember what the angels said:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Even in the midst of standing in long lines, baking cookies, trying to find the perfect sale and everything else we do during this season, we can have peace.  Sometimes we just need to remember to pause and ask for it.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  he refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3

Reflection

What causes you the most stress during the Christmas season?  Is there something you can change about it to make it more enjoyable?  In your prayers, remember to pray to God for peace and rest this season.