The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. … For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  (Isaiah 9:2,6-7a)

It seems ironic that during the Christmas season when we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace there is so little peace.  Not only do wars and violence continue everywhere, but lots of us have trouble finding peace in our own lives.  We rush around trying to get everything done before Christmas.  We try to live up to our own expectations that decorating, buying, baking, sending cards, and gathering with family and friends will make or break Christmas.  There is added pressure on those who have suffered a loss, because even with all the holiday preparations things won’t be the same.  Only God in Christ can bring real and lasting peace to us and to the world.  Yet we can open ourselves to the possibilities of peace by letting go of some of those expectations.  We can refocus our priorities on the things that are most important—Jesus, worship, and family and friends.   If we let go of some of our expectations about the trappings of Christmas and stop trying so hard to do everything, the world as we know it will not come to an end (in fact it could be a whole lot better.)  I’m encouraging us to simplify, to buy less, and to share more.  I’m giving us permission to bake fewer cookies, to leave some of the holiday decorations in their boxes, to hold off or skip sending all those cards, and whatever else we need to do to slow down and with God’s help experience true peace and joy this Christmas.

This prayer by Ted Loder speaks to me about receiving peace.   “How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given.  I would be silent now, Lord, and expectant…that I may receive the gift I need, so I may become the gift others need.”

Tom and I are praying that you will have a joyous and peaceful Christmas.

In Christ’s love,