The peace of Christmas

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to 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]

As we move through the advent season one of the most profound gifts we are invited to reflect on is peace. Yet, if we are honest, Christmas often feels like anything but peaceful.

As the song sung by Andy Williams says, "Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year."

It's a busy season of shopping, writing Christmas cards, festively decorating the house, wrapping presents, cooking, baking, spending time with family and friends, wrapping presents... it's a whirlwind of activity that leaves us feeling anything but calm.

But, what if we paused?

What if, in the midst of our busyness, we took time to reflect on the peace that Jesus came to bring?

Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus as the "Prince of Peace," a title that reminds us of His ultimate mission: to reconcile us to God and offer peace that transcends all understanding.

This peace is not just a fleeting feeling, or the absence of conflict. It's a deep abiding assurance that with Jesus on our side there is nothing that can truly stand against us.

Jesus' peace is unique because it is not dependent on our circumstances. In John 14:27, Jesus tells His disciples:

"The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don't be troubled or afraid."

This peace is different from worldly peace. It is not tied to political victories or fulfilled desires. It's a deep, abiding peace that comes from being reconciled to God through Jesus. Through the cross, Jesus made a way back to peace with God.

This peace is not temporary, Jesus' peace is rooted in His presence. It's a peace that comes from knowing that no matter what we face, He is with us and for us, in every moment and every situation. In Him we find the peace we so desperately long for - the peace that only He can provide.

Life in this world is hard. We face trials, uncertainties, and moments of profound loss. But the peace of Christmas is a reminder: we don't have to face these challenges alone. With Jesus on our side we can live with confidence, knowing that no obstacle is too great for Him.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:31, reminds us:

"If God is for us, who can be against us?"

This truth anchors our hearts. No matter what comes our way, Jesus is our defender, comforter and source of strength. His peace is not an absence of hardship, but a presence that calms our hearts in the midst of it.

This season, will you make space to reflect on His peace?

Whether it's through a quiet moment of prayer, reading scripture, or simply pausing to remember that He is with us, these moments can help us reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus didn't come to add to our busyness - He came to bring us rest, comfort and quiet confidence in the midst of life's challenges. With Jesus on our side, there is no challenge too great, and no storm too fierce.

This Christmas, may we surrender our restless hearts to the Prince of Peace, knowing that in Him we find the peace that brings rest, reconciliation and hope - not just during this advent season, but every day throughout the year.

How wonderful is that!