I grew up in a house full of boys. Four to be exact. The first time I brought Laura home to meet my family, the four of us got in a wrestling match in the middle of the living room floor (as boys often do). For us it was normal, but for Laura it was a whole new world. It was loud, violent, frenetic. It was certainly NOT peaceful.
While that situation lacked outward peace, it didn’t really affect the inward, soul-level peace. According to Paul, that’s peace that can only be found in Christ.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
When we think about Jesus’s birth story, it looks anything but peaceful to us, especially for Mary. She and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth, far north of Jerusalem in Galilee, to Bethlehem, a few miles south of Jerusalem. Mary was pregnant, riding on a donkey, with no modern amenities. When they reached Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay, no hospital or doctor, and they had to stay with animals and put Jesus in a feeding trough after he was born. For us looking back, that’s one big ball of stress.
And yet, when we sing songs about that night, or hear preachers teach about it, we are reminded of peace in the situation.
“Silent night, holy night … sleep in heavenly peace.”
Why? Because Jesus brought peace with him. Mary recognized it.
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19
One of the names for Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 is “Prince of Peace.” Jesus came bearing peace. And Paul shows us how we can have the peace that Jesus provides, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:15–16
The peace of Christ is tied to our thankfulness, our meditation on God’s Word, and our worship of Him. Rather than focusing on the anxieties of the world, when we meditate on Christ and all that He has done for us, we can have His peace. Christmas can be an especially anxious time. Financial burdens, familial pressures, even seasonal mental health issues can try to rob us of our peace in Christ. But it’s also a wonderful time to reorient your mind on Christ rather than the anxieties of the world.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7
Family Discussion
Is there anything about the Christmas season that makes you sad or anxious?
What is your favorite Bible verse that reminds you of peace in Christ?
