Finding peace amidst the chaos
I find it kind of interesting that the lead up to Christmas has become so frantic and draining. If you enter a mall this week be prepared to be shoulder- to- shoulder with the next shopper. Fifty years ago, Christmas for non-believers was more about sharing a meal and spending time with family. A recent survey of 777 New Zealanders found that Kiwis plan to spend, on average, $562 per person for gifts and groceries. So COVID has not inhibited spending. Perhaps the stress of this year has resulted in more people comfort- spending, as they search for peace, joy, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Thankfully, we don’t need to fall into this trap. We know the real meaning of Christmas – a celebration of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). So, when you find yourself getting stressed this week with the build up to Christmas Day, STOP, DROP and PROP (Practise remembering our Prince). Actually, I just made that up, but it would be a good discipline to learn 😊
Christmastime for all believers should be one of calm, joy, hope, peace, and thanksgiving for all that Christ has done for us. So, let’s breathe in Jesus and breathe out all our stresses. Okay now do it again! It feels good doesn’t it.
Jesus said,
“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.”
John 14:27
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.