The Path of Peace

With Christmas just a couple of weeks away, it’s so easy to become overwhelmed with our long to-do lists filled with activities like shopping for the perfect gifts and trimming the tree and not-so fun errands and chores like going grocery shopping and preparing our homes for guests. Of course, there is nothing wrong with doing any of these things. In fact, many of them are what make the Christmas season so special and create great memories. But they are also the things that drain and deplete us, making this one of the most hectic times of the year.  

For some of us, the stress comes as we look back over the past year with some regrets and disappointments or look toward the coming year with trepidation and anxiety. There are also many people who find themselves alone or in mourning during this season. Whatever emotions Advent stirs up for us, we can find encouragement and hope in Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Philippian church. In response to a dispute between two women, Paul urges them and the entire faith community to take their concerns to God instead of trying to fix things on their own. This message is meant for us, too. When we bring God into our challenges and circumstances, we find the kind of peace that only God can provide. Nothing we are facing is too big or too small for God to handle. It is God’s desire to journey with us in all the events of our lives.  

Paul’s letter also teaches us to be intentional and careful about what we spend our time thinking about. Our busyness often leads us to lose sight of what we are supposed to be celebrating. Paul reminds us that Christ embodied everything that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. As his disciples, we can focus on these virtues too when we put Christ at the center of all we do this season.   

Reflect on God's Word:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)

Take A Moment to Pray:

Loving God, help us to experience hope and peace in the midst of this season that can be so hectic and difficult. May we sense your presence all around us, uplifting us and reminding us that no matter what we feel this season, you are near. Amen.  

Listen to the Carol:

Emmanuel (God With Us Forever) is a worship song by Bryan and Katie Torwalt, featured on their album Champion. The song celebrates the incarnation of Jesus — God coming near to humanity — and traces the story of redemption from creation to Christ’s victory over death.

Bryan and Katie Torwalt are a husband-and-wife Christian music duo known for their worship songwriting, powerful vocals, and long-standing involvement with Jesus Culture Music. They are based in Sacramento, California.