Christmas Comfort And Peace

Sunday December 10, 2023
 

We are fast approaching the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus, the One God sent to save us and give us peace.  These pre-Christmas days may be difficult for many of us as the cost-of-living soars and uphill inflation seems to be never-ending.  For a variety of reasons many of us are anxious about our ability to buy gifts or to be with family over the holidays.  Our comfort level is challenged as negative thoughts come and go in our minds.  Instead of the thought of Christmas bringing us joy we find our hearts are uneasy. Countless thoughts have filled our minds in the past days or weeks, but the significance of Jesus’ birth is the greatest life-changing event that ever remains at the heart of Christmas.

GOD made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him.  When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start.  Now I’m alert to GOD’s ways; I don’t take God for granted.  Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick.  I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step.  GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. (Psalm 18:20-24 MSG) 

For Mary and Joseph that first Christmas contained many challenges and anxious moments as they made their way to Bethlehem in the late stages of Mary’s pregnancy.  After months of enduring the probable whispers and gossip in Nazareth about Mary being pregnant before she and Joseph were married, a governmental census required them to travel to Bethlehem, their town of birth. On arrival Mary went into labour and Joseph struggled to find a place for her to give birth in the overcrowded town. Their comfort level was likely as low as it could get. 

However, God was not lost in the challenges of that first Christmas and He is not lost in the challenges that we face.  Our part is to give God all the pieces of whatever is going on and trust Him to work them together for our good.  God will bring us comfort and will fill us with peace for each event we struggle with.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation.  The Lord be with you all.  (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT)


Prayer:  Heavenly Father, As I prepare for Christmas I ask that You fill my heart with love so that, together with others, I can have peace and celebrate Christmas well.  Amen

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