Fast cars weaving in and out
Parking nowhere to be found
Crowded store aisles, empty shelves-
Christmas wishes, what to buy?
Cookies over-baked
Wrapping still undone
Anxiety overwhelms!And the carolers sing …
Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is brightDirty dishes in the sink
Guests arriving at the door
Kids crying; tensions threaten
Extended family pleads
Go here, go there, tug of war
Seriously!? There’s more?
Anxiety overwhelms!And the carolers sing …
Peace on earth,
goodwill to men!
Jesus comes with many names and titles,
the Prince of Peace may be my favorite!
And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,
Isaiah 9:6b ESV
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
But we know peace can be elusive even
when celebrating our Savior’s birth!
Too often our answer to the darkness
Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem
is not running toward Bethlehem
but running away.
We ought to know by now that we can’t see
where we’re going in the dark.
Running away is rampant… separation is stylish:
separation from mates, from friends, from self.
Run and tranquilize,
don’t talk about it, avoid.
Run away and join the army of those who have already run away.
When are we going to learn that Christmas Peace
comes only when we turn and face the darkness?
Only then will we be able to see The Light of the World.
When will we learn that Christmas Peace comes only when we turn and face the darkness? The darkness of our own inabilities, pride, need for control, or concern for appearances. Our Redeemer, the Light of the World, desires to shine even in those dark corners that we often deny exist.
Invitation
The invitation this Christmas is to press pause. Steal away, even if it is only a few minutes. Practice a breath prayer –
Inhale: Because I cast my cares on You
Exhale: I am anxious for nothing!
Inhale: Lord, shine Your face on me
Exhale: I need Your peace
Inhale: God of peace
Exhale: Equip me today
Inhale: The mind set on the Spirit
Exhale: Is life and peace
Inhale: God of hope
Exhale: Fill me with Your joy and peace
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
Isaiah 26:3 AMPC
Prayer
Father,
May we yield ourselves to You today,
delighting in Your will, and
allowing Your love to guide our day.
May we submit today –
Our longings and ambitions
The work of our hands
Our perceptions of a perfect holiday.
May we trust You today –
Trust You with the big issues
The little details
And all that falls between.
May we let go today –
Of pride and fears –
Of concern for appearances
And the need for control.
May Your Kingdom come
On earth, as it is in heaven,
May You reign supreme –
In our home, our plans, our heart!
Amen.
