Beloved, today can be a busy day for some–Christmas Eve. Last minute shopping makes the dusty road a busy one. We are breaking from tradition this year and not having turkey on Christmas day. My shopping has been done for quite some time because it had to be mailed. Last night I wrapped the last gifts for those who are local. I am struggling with feelings of envy and jealousy that pop up at this time of the year. It is early on Christmas eve morning and I have read a devotion on adoration, tried ar a fleeting attempt to pray. But nagging in my mind are these feelings.
Our word today is peace. in asking Google what is the best definition for peace, this is what was revealed. Peace means societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. In a social sense, peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflict (such as war) and freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups. The word peace is in the Bible 249 times.
Definitely, at this time of the year, we hear Christmas songs about peace and good will. The news is filled with much news that is opposite, unrest in the Middle East makes us question our safety. Unrest in the United States keeps us on guard such that anxiety fills our souls.
Personally, I try my best to pray and not worry about tomorrow. But every once in a while, angst, slips in. As much as I try, I find myself at this time of the year missing what I had when we were in California. I find myself feeling sorry for myself. Have you ever been there? Am I the only one? You know Elijah went through a period of depression after a great victory. Am I going to the garden to eat worms?
No, today is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad. After all, you will be reading this on Christmas Day. God is the author and finisher of peace. I will give him these feelings of angst and will not be passive aggressive. You see, I want to ask a certain person, if my present got lost in the mail. Ok, sweet friends, I am human. I am not going to do it. I told you I was struggling with these feelings of angst, jealousy, and envy.
The wise men brought gifts to Jesus without expecting a gift in return.
Today, I will celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus is the Gift.
G- God
I- Immanuel
F-Faithful
T-Truth
The key is to admit and give your feelings to God. He will bring peace so that after a long day on the dusty road of life you can sleep in peace.
Father God, thank you, that you care for us and bring us peace that only you can give. You take our feelings of angst, jealousy, envy, and strife and work peace. You promise in Psalm 29: 11 to give us strength, “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
Lord, bless us with your peace, in Jesus’s name. Amen
Merry Christmas
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