A Gift of Peace

Posted by: Amanda from Mornings | Thursday, December 19th, 2024 ( 9:00am)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
—John 14:27

As the Christmas season surrounds us with decorations, songs, and celebrations, there is an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air. For many, it's a time of joy, family, and tradition. But for others, the holidays can bring stress, anxiety, or even sadness. Whether feeling the pressure to create perfect moments amidst the hustle and bustle, or navigating the loneliness that can accompany the season, it's easy to feel like peace is a fleeting, elusive thing.

This holiday season let’s pause and reflect on a gift that Jesus offers us—a peace that surpasses anything the world can provide. In John 14:27, Jesus speaks these powerful words to His disciples, words that still resonate with us today:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
—John 14:27 (ESV)

Christmas is, at its core, the celebration of the Prince of Peace—the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to bring peace not just to the world, but to each of us personally. This peace isn’t just the absence of conflict or the temporary calm we might experience after a busy season. It’s a peace that transcends circumstances.

Worldly peace is often conditional and temporary. It depends on external factors—how well our plans go, how well our families get along, or whether we meet expectations. When things go wrong, that kind of peace can be fleeting. But the peace Jesus gives is rooted in something deeper—a relationship with Him. It’s a peace that comes from knowing that no matter what happens, God is with us. His presence is constant, and His love is unchanging.

This Christmas, we have the invitation to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus and trust in the peace He offers. He doesn’t promise that life will be without hardship, but He does promise to be with us through it all. His presence brings a peace that is unlike anything the world can offer.

So, this Christmas, let your heart be still. Let go of the worries and anxieties that weigh you down. Know that Jesus’ peace—His perfect, unshakeable peace—is with you. His peace is not just a gift for one day, but a gift for every day.