Men huddled in trenches on either side of no man’s land. Artillery fire flashed from both sides of the divide as the evening deepened–the glow of the moon highlighting shadowy figures shouldering rifles as they lay shivering in the cold.
A German soldier nudged another, “Do you think Christmas peace is possible?”
“Anything is possible with God,” his companion replied.
Within minutes, the low strains of Silent Night replaced the rapid rat-a-tat of gunfire. British soldiers began to emerge from their positions and joined in song as young soldiers offered one another a Christmas truce–the gifts of a holiday greeting and Christmas peace.
The Source of Christmas Peace
While we live years away from 1914 and World War I, many today are as much in need of hope and peace as the warriors extending a timid handshake at midnight.
Perhaps you, too, wonder if Christmas peace is possible.
Studies reveal that almost seventy percent of adults experience increased stress during the holidays. In two previous posts, I’ve shared practical Tips to Help You Overcome Holiday Stress and Anxiety and how to let go of Christmas stress. Let’s go core to core.
We can implement strategies, employ useful techniques, and simplify to-do lists.
Like the Christmas truce, we may experience brief periods during which peace reigns but unless Jesus takes His rightful place as the Prince of Peace in our lives, we will only experience a momentary break from the relentless conflict.
Why? Isaiah 9:6 (AMPC) promised an answer to the problem of humanity’s inner turmoil and lack of peace with his or her Creator.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 53:5(AMPC) provides even more clarification.
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
The word translated peace in the verse above comes from the Hebrew shalom which means wholeness or completeness. More than that, shalom entails a reconciled relationship with God.
That peace only comes through claiming the name of Christ. Click here to learn more.
Why We Struggle With Christmas Peace
If the source of peace is Christ and we know Him as Savior, why do the majority of us struggle with stress, overwhelm, and anxiety during the holiday season?
A cursory glance at statistics provides some insight, but when I consider my own life and listen to those around me I learn that we allow the busy to abduct our blessings. Plunder our peace of mind.
We forfeit shalom at the altar of forced gaiety when the holiest of days is intended to draw us nearer to the heart of the High Priest.
We forfeit shalom at the altar of forced gaiety. #christmaspeace Share on XParties, cookie exchanges, and sharing gifts are all wonderful–unless they rob of us our Christmas peace and remove our eyes from the He who is Peace.
Simple Ways to Be Filled With Christmas Peace
- Intentionally worship Christ Slow down enough during the day to spend time with Jesus. Choose books to read during your personal devotional times that will encourage you to remember His birth and focus on Advent. Consider incorporating a family Advent time. Some of my favorite books are listed below.
- Pray for family members with whom you struggle during family gatherings. This selection of prayers might be a good place to start.
- Lift your voice in praise. As you stream your favorite Christmas songs or hymns and join in song, your heart rate will decrease, stress will lessen, and your focus will point heavenward.
Resources to Fill You With Christmas Peace
What other resources do you suggest I add to this list? How do you draw close to the Prince of Peace in this season?
In the powerful name of Jesus,
Amen
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Tammy Kennington
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good morning, Tammy. your words brought to mind that verse from John – ‘Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, I give you not as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.’
Hi Linda,
That verse fits perfectly and provides such comfort! Thank you for sharing it.
Blessings,
Tammy
I just listened to the audiobook of ‘Christmas Eve, 1914,’ Tammy. Worship and praise are wonderful ways to enter the throne room of the Prince of Peace! And prayer makes a HUGE difference in our family get-togethers.
I’m adding the book to my reading list, Lisa. Thanks for mentioning it!
Worship, praise, and prayer–what an incredible trio. While we bless HIm, our Father blesses us.
Although I have heard the story of the Christmas truce many times, it moves me every time I still hear it. It was your words that have stuck >>> “… we allow the busy to abduct our blessings. Plunder our peace of mind.” May we guard our hearts and minds this season and experience the peace He has for us. Blessings!
Hi Joanne,
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were more Christmas truces? Happily, we can celebrate knowing we have peace with our Creator and our days are safe in His care.
Blessings to you,
Tammy
These are all scriptures that the Lord’s been leading me to during this Christmas season! In Christ, we have access to a peace the world cannot give. Praise God! I wrote a Kindle devotional called Beyond the Nativity that’s available on Amazon for just a few dollars (right now). It focuses on various implications of the incarnation, Christ coming to us in the flesh. You can find a link to it in my latest post toward the bottom. It includes twenty short but deep devotionals coupled with scriptures, questions/suggestions, and beautiful historical paintings of the nativity by master artists. I’d love it if you added it to your list of resources!
Hi Amy,
I love the title of your devotional and will be happy to add it to the list of resources! I can’t wait to take a look.
Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Tammy
I gave up on the Martha Stewart/Norman Rockwell versions of Christmas about 15 years ago. Family and hospitality are more important to me. This season, I want to spread the Light of Jesus in whatever I do–not worry about Christmas lights, decorations, or buying gifts.
Hi Anita,
I love giving gifts but stick to a budget and simplify the process. I love your focus on Jesus!
Our hearts should be attuned to sharing His light.
Merry Christmas!
I loved The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs. A Christmas Longing by Joni Eareckson Tada is also good. This year I am reading Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World by Hannah Anderson. It is excellent. Christmas music helps me keep my focus through the day as well.
I’ve never read any of those, Barbara. Thank you for the suggestions! Now…where to begin? Heaven and Nature Sing appeals as I adore music. Thanks so much!
Blessings to you,
Tammy
Tammy, thank you for all your reminders here about Christmas peace! I am doing scripture advent writing with Tracie Gunther Nall and it helps keep me within the story of Jesus while all the busyness of the season is going on around me. Merry Christmas!
Deborah, that sounds wonderful! I have really enjoyed participating in Advent activities the last few years. It’s been new for me.
Peace and grace,
Tammy