His Kind of Peace

by Christian Schroppel, Director of High School Ministry

As we draw closer to Christmas and the end of the year, everything seems crazier. Traffic is horrendous, finding a decent parking spot seems impossible, and the checkout lines stretch on forever. Not to mention everything is getting more expensive and harder to afford. It can be easy to become overwhelmed and lash out at loved ones and strangers around us.

I tend to be a bit more irritable this time of year, especially while driving. I have a tendency to leave late and then blame the drivers around me for my tardiness. I can get so stressed that I forget to show the love of Christ. I have found that praying for patience and those around me as I drive seems to help me be more at peace. It also helps when I leave on time.

As Christians, we can demonstrate the peace of the Lord to those around us this Christmas season. Rather than getting caught up in the consumerism the world has to offer, we can get caught up in a peace that is beyond understanding. Rather than getting frustrated with our loved ones, we can be grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them. After all, we know the true reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place –– the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

We read in John 14:27 – "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus offers peace that we can never receive from the world. This Advent season, do not let your hearts be troubled but be excited that we have a God who loves and cares for us the way Jesus does.

 

Reflection:

  • What is something that is troubling your heart right now that you could turn over to the Lord?

  • How do you deal with stress during this time of year?

  • What would it look like if you had more of the Lord's peace?

 

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