Peaceful Preparations
SOOOO you got all your Christmas shopping done, right?! You have lists made & plans laid out for all the Christmas gatherings?? You already bought your ugly sweater for that work party, I bet. Naturally you already decorated your tree & your entire house, too!!
...Wait a minute, WHAT?! You haven’t even started yet?!? DON'T YOU KNOW THAT CHRISTMAS IS COMING?!?!?
Oftentimes I find that my impatient heart can't bear to wait for all of the celebrations & spectacles of Christmas. I wrap gifts for my loved ones with so much anticipation that I often spoil the surprise before Christmas day! I plan my holiday party outfits weeks in advance, & of course the tree was up in my apartment the day after Halloween. ;)
Christmas is a wonderful time filled with excitement, joy, & love all around!
It can also be filled with stress, tension, & worry. Procrastination puts pressure on your plans & anxiety ruins your celebration preparations. All of the errands you have to run & miles you have to drive & presents you have to wrap can really add up! Not to mention the cooking, cleaning, & decorating to be done! But isn't Christmas supposed to be this calm, peaceful reminder of beautiful baby Jesus born under the gentle glow of the starlit sky? How can we feel peaceful with all of the holiday-induced panic?!
Friends, we can feel peace because of the gift Jesus gave to the earth when he was born in that manger:
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 NLT
The Prince of Peace has come (Isaiah 9:6). He isn't the prince of purring kittens, soft blankets, napping babies, or whatever else brings us temporary calm. He is the Prince of Peace over your mind & your heart. He brings a true Peace that surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7). His Peace even calms raging storms! (Mark 4:39)
So be still as you spend this season of anticipation knowing that the true gift of Christmas is Peace... a Peace that has already overcome every trouble this world may bring (John 16:33).
Go & tackle those holiday preparations with excitement & enthusiasm, but also knowing His perfect Peace.
May that Peace surround you & your family this Advent season & always.
Blessings on your celebrations,
Miss Kenzie