Finding peace at Christmas can be challenging.
“Peace! Be still!” These are the words of Jesus. His disciples were in a boat, crossing a lake, when a sudden storm arose. Jesus had been resting. He was sound asleep. The disciples woke Him. Jesus spoke into the storm. Instant calm.
Some storms come upon us. Some storms we unwittingly create for ourselves. Preparing for Christmas can become a storm. Shopping, decorating, travel plans, baking, events to attend, parties, and more. So much to do, crammed into so little time. Peace can seem illusive in the midst of Christmas chaos.
Ironically, the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth was an announcement of good news, joy, and peace. Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy . . .Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace . . . . Yet, often the weeks leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ birth are not peaceful, but filled with hurry and exhaustion.
The Bible counsels us to rest. In quietness and trust is your strength. We find our rest in Jesus. He invites us, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Soul rest. In the midst of all the demands of the season, we can take time to rest. Be still and know that I am God. Rest in Him. Soul rest begins with worship. God promises peace to those whose minds are focused on Him. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! If we seek God first, and let Him order our days, we find unnecessary burdens that can be discarded. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.
As activity swirls around us, some busy-ness is unavoidable, but we don’t have to do it all. Take time to enjoy the season. Enjoy being with family and friends. In the midst of the things that must be done, pause. Look at Scripture. Listen for God’s voice. Have a cup of cocoa. Remember why we celebrate Christmas. Thank God for the abundance of blessings poured out all around us.
Take time to worship. No, really, make time. There is no real peace apart from the Prince of Peace. Joy and peace often elude us if they are the goal, but they come naturally as we draw close to Jesus. Jesus speaks peace into our lives. He is Emmanuel, God with us. As we let Him direct our lives we will find the peace He intends for us. If we keep Him at the center of the season, there is less rush and more serenity. Seek Jesus and find joy and peace. Be still, and let peace find you.
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still.” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 ESV
How are you finding peace in the midst of a busy Christmas season? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay
I find peace by asking God to join me in the busy seasons, because I know He is with me at all times. For me, peace does not come from having a completely empty schedule. So, I pray or worship during my frequent car rides, while doing the dishes, or wrapping Christmas gifts for the family. It is comforting to know that God is with us in all the noise and chaos of our busy seasons of life.
Absolutely, Chelsie. Peace isn’t the absence of activity, it’s knowing God’s presence in the busy-ness. Demands on our time may be extensive, but we don’t have to be frantic or frenzied in the midst. Thank you for that reminder.
Thank you, Phyllis. This is a reminder I need every day. I need to ask God what He wants me to do, and leave the rest to Him.
Thank you, Joni. I need to remind myself.