Peace is a word that is used a lot at this time of year.
We sing Silent Night and talk about the coming Prince of Peace. We give out cards that speak of peace on Earth and we hope for a little peace and quiet during our time off.
Why is it, then, that Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year? More to the point, why do so few of us live peaceful lives at any time of the year? What can we do? Here are a couple of thoughts to consider.
First, we need to realize that peace is a gift that we can give to ourselves. I know it sounds odd in our constantly outraged, social media-fuelled world, but the fact is you do not have to be upset about everything. Not everything is a crusade. Getting upset, especially if you have no ability to make the situation better, only harms you. You can choose to let things go. You can choose peacefulness.
Secondly, we must remember that peace is something to receive. It is a gift from God. Some things in your life cannot be fixed by you. Feelings of loss, loneliness, betrayal, abandonment, insecurity, unworthiness, fear or failure will not likely change much regardless of how much you talk them out, reason them through or stuff them down.
The only answer is to give them over to someone who can heal them.
We know this in other areas of life. If you have a bad knee, no amount of exercise, effort or determination on your part will make it better. Healing only happens when you put yourself in the hands of a surgeon who can take out the bad parts and replace them with something good.
Similarly, spiritual and inner peace do not come from trying harder. Rather it is found when we realize that, though none of us are perfect, God loves us anyway. In fact, he loved us so much that he sent his son to die for us (John 3:16-17). If we let him, he can heal us.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
May you find, and give, the gift of peace this season.
