Finding peace in Christmas–and holding on to it
Everyone talks about peace at Christmas.
We probably envision peace as a crackling fire and a Christmas tree surrounded by wrapped presents. Houses twinkle with white lights, “Silent Night” wafts through the night air. We imagine laughter around a dinner table decorated with china and glassware. It’s time off to snuggle on the couch and eat cookies without guilt.
Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.
The problem for me is that work still looms in the background. New Year’s resolutions, personal plans, and a “to-do” list for the New Year brings quiet pressure against a peace I know will last for seven days if I’m lucky. As much as I welcome and prepare for peace, I’m still fighting to keep it.
That’s not peace on earth. At best, that’s a mental vacation or a battle of two natures. I will never find peace on earth when it comes from earth.
I can write about peace, preach about peace, and check everything off my eternal lists in an effort to achieve peace. I can organize my calendar, plan cool vacations, and employ a personal assistant, but none of it brings lasting peace. If anything, it evcourages me to add to my lists of things to do and experience.
my attempt for peace in 2022
Last year, I chose not to make any New Year’s resolutions. I decided I would just listen to God and do what He said. I was attempting to live in the present. I wanted peace so desperately. I’m not sure how much I succeeded. In fact, I’m pretty sure I didn’t succeed at all. But I am more aware than ever of my obsession to fabricate and manipulate a life of peace. And I’m doggone tired of doing things this way.
I make intentional spaces for peace, but I also fail to make enough of them: I let people get under my skin. I let their words sink in. I let the world push in. I let other people’s lack of peace rob me of my own peace. I don’t stay on my wall.
One of my favorite inspiring verses comes from Nehemiah, who’s constantly being assaulted and criticized by his enemies for doing the calling that God has placed on his life. Nehemiah says:
“I am doing a great work! Why should I stop and visit with you?…You’re just trying to scare us into stopping our work.” (Neh. 6:3, 9)
On first look, it seems like:
- Nehemiah is way too task-driven (another reason I like him)
- Nehemiah is full of his own importance
On second look,
- Nehemiah knows who he is
- Nehemiah knows what God has told him to do
- Nehemiah doesn’t let fear, criticism, or manipulation deter him
- We are designed to work. Work is not bad. It’s what we’re made for.
Peace is not an absence of work.
It’s not vacation.
peace is a state of mind in which you live unaffected and undeterred by outside forces. You live for a higher purpose.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6)
I seek peace. Like the wisemen, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and Jesus’ parents in the Christmas story of peace on earth, I seek peace outside of myself. Peace is Jesus alone, the truth-speaker and the peace-giver. Here’s how to get there (if I can be so bold as to make some hard suggestions):
- reflection
- confession
- thanksgiving
- presence
- listening
- wonder
- appreciation
- joy
- eliminate chaos
These are all conscious decisions. Commitments to emotional and mental presence. They are counter-cultural practices. Not mantras. Not goals on a list.
They are habits that heal and give space for peace. Will you do them with me in 2023?
