Christmas Peace versus Chaos

Everyday situations and people rob us of peace is we let them. A baby in the night cries and the mom wonders if she’ll ever have a silent night again. The caregiver of a terminally ill person wonders how much longer must the loved one suffer. Financial stress and job uncertainty increase worry, causing health problems. An embittered spirit and lack of forgiveness builds walls between people.

All this on top of the hectic Christmas season with its extra demands. Stresses increase and exhaustion from a packed schedule take their toll. It’s easy to let the chaos overwhelm and discourage us. We wonder if the “bah-humbug” attitude of Ebenezer Scrooge wasn’t so bad after all.

Would a message of peace help?

Over 2000 years ago an astonishing announcement resonated through the heavens. This wasn’t a short blurb, but a bold declaration.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14.

This new revelation startled the unsuspecting shepherds. The Roman world was experiencing the “Roman Peace” marked by civil law and order. The angels interrupted the ordinary night with the proclamation of a deeper, more lasting cessation of conflict than anything offered by the government—a calmness of mind and soul made possible by the Savior.

The proclamation of Christmas spans the centuries. We can have peace with God, a new relationship with Him because of the the baby born at Christmas.

Let God’s peace interrupt the chaos or uncertainty of everyday life.

Here are some tips to help guide you to calm the chaos within:

• Quiet your mind in the midst of decorating, shopping or referring the kids.
• Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
• Re-focus your heart on the Prince of Peace.
• Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

Rest your soul in the gentle arms of God. May you know Christmas peace in the chaos of life.

Listen and watch one of my favorite Christmas pieces, “Stille Nacht,” by Mannheim Steamroller.