The pitch and volume of voices seem more pronounced. I shush my son, and my husband’s brows knit together.
“He wasn’t being loud,” Dave says.
I mumble an apology, the fluttering in my chest like a butterfly trapped in a net waiting for release. This intrepid anxiety seems to have coincided neatly with the arrival of the Christmas season and I begin thinking of the ways Christ would have me release my burdens and exchange them.
My stress for His best.
My worries for freedom.
My concerns for surrender.
[bbctt tweet="Do you long for more of Christ in the midst of the rush?."]
My delusions of control for comfort in His holy goodness.
Are you, too, someone who struggles with anxious thoughts during what has become the busiest of seasons? Do you long for more of Christ in the midst of the rush?
Keep reading to discover two simple ways to discover peace in His presence.
Avoid Excuses
While dining with a group of Pharisees, one man said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” A storyteller, Jesus responded by sharing the Parable of the Great Feast in which several people were invited to a great banquet. (Luke 14:15-25)
During that time, feasts were announced far in advance. It was dishonorable not to attend. But, when the time came for the grand party one guest after the other offered a frail excuse. There was no time in his schedule to include the master.
In response, the wealthy man charged his servant with the task of inviting the crippled, blind, and the lame to his table. Still, there was more room in the fine hall. Once again, the servant went to the far edges of the country to gather even more people—those who were outcasts. Perhaps even those who had never heard of the master’s name.
[bbctt tweet="A handful of social outcasts stood in the fields guarding their sheep.."]
Thirty-three years before Jesus dined at the table of the Pharisee, a handful of social outcasts stood in the fields guarding their sheep. It was a night that seemed like any other until they were encased in light; shuddering in fear as one of God’s angels delivered the long-awaited message that the Messiah had been born.
[bbctt tweet="They didn't offer an excuse; instead, they sought the Savior.."]
How fitting that the heavenly announcement was given to shepherds—men who could understand the heart of the Great Shepherd. They didn’t offer an excuse; instead, they sought the Savior—the first to believe.
Accept the Invitation
After receiving heaven’s holy birth announcement, a vast choir filled the sky, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 14:14)
The angels seemed to disappear as quickly as they’d arrived, the shepherds stared at one another briefly. Then, craggy faces breaking into grins, one spoke, “We must hurry.” Dousing the meager fire that had been keeping them warm, the men almost ran to Bethlehem. In a small town, it wasn’t difficult to find a child.
Like the shepherds, we’re invited into Christ’s presence. We are the people of whom the master spoke when he said: “invite those from the far edges of the country”.
[bbctt tweet="Why do I wait when I know that if I accept the invitation into His presence I'll receive the peace in promised?."]
Often, I RSVP too late. Waiting until the last moment to respond to a party invitation because I feel pressured to “do just one more thing”. But, how I long for more of Christ. Why do I wait when I know that if I accept the invitation into His presence I’ll receive the peace He promised in John 14:27? “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
[bbctt tweet="He's waiting for us to join the banquet."]
Let’s accept the invitation today, friend. He’s waiting for us to join the banquet.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link-up with the following wonderful bloggers:
Mondays InstaEncouragements/ Anita Ojeda, Mandy and Michele, Kingdom Bloggers,
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,
Wednesdays Worth Beyond Rubies, Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/Porch Stories
Thursdays Heart Encouragement / Tune In Thursday /Salt and Light / Five Minute Friday
Friday Counting My Blessings, Faith on Fire, Blogger Voices Network, Grace and Truth Linkup,best-of-the-weekend Fresh Market Fridays
Well said ma’am. It is in His presence that I find the rest and peace I need to do that next thing. Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family Ms. Tammy.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, J.D.
Jesus does give us the peace we seek, especially during this sometimes rushed, busy season. Blessings to you and your family!
And to you, Laurie! Merry Christmas!
What a holy and helpful exchange God has made available for us! Thanks for this Christmas blessing!
We are so blessed by His matchless love, aren’t we? Merry Christmas, Michele!
Tammy, we had very similar thoughts. You saw it in the shepherds and I, in the wise men. May we not just “see” Him this year, but fully enter into all that He has for us. So grateful to have stopped here this morning. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
The magi have an incredible story, too. What an amazing testimony they must have had! Blessings to you and yours, Joanne, and Merry Christmas!
His presence does bring peace and He is the way out of stress. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Barbara. Thanks for stopping by today! Blessings and Merry Christams! Tammy
I know when I hesitate too long to accept an invitation that I really just don’t want to go. May I be quick to show that I welcome Christ by accepting his invitations to partner with him in his work!
I pray I become more and more eager to accept His invitation regardless of any hestiation I might have because of fear, insecurity, or other misguided thoughts. Instead, I hope to respond like Mary in Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said.” Merry Christmas, Lisa!
I am thankful for His peace, Tammy! Thanks for the sweet reminders to accept His invitation without hesitation, because we certainly don’t want to miss that banquet!
Where would we be without His peace? What an amazing gift we received through the birth of God’s precious son. Blessings to you and yours, Tammy
Rest and Peace in His presence are just what I need! I too get stuck in anxious thoughts, wound tight. Breath prayers have been helping me with this, but I so appreciate your post today! Thanks so much for sharing!
Breath prayers can be so helpful. I’m glad you stopped by today, Cheryl. Praying peace over you today.
Yes, breath prayers have been very helpful. Thank you for your sweet prayers. May our Prince of Peace supply your every need. Merry Christmas!
Wonderful advice, Tammy. As usual, I have been stressed this Christmas due to what I perceive to be multiple demands on my time. But, I need to remember, Jesus is the important thing. No excuses and accept His invitation. Thank you for sharing this timely message.
Good morning, Katherine. Over the years, I’ve had to simplify. First, as a result of my quieter personality. Then, we struggled through mental health problems and family issues. Now, I’m learning to manage some chronic health issues. Each step of the way, I’ve discovered a little bit more about setting aside expectation and accepting His invitation. I hope you were encouraged today, Katherine. Blessings, Tammy