A Faith Journal

Some of you may have noticed that I didn’t post an Advent blog post yesterday. That was not intentional. I had planned to write something or at least repost something from 2023. Yet when I went to post something, I fell asleep. Actually I slept for several hours, woke up and thought about posting something again. And fell asleep again. When I woke up this morning, I was angry at myself for not posting and keeping up with the series. As the day has gone on though, I realized that was the peace that I needed last night.

It’s easy to say you want a peaceful Christmas season, but then try to check all the boxes for Christmas traditions. By trying to do all the traditions, our calendars get fuller and fuller. A full calendar, for me at least, is anything but peaceful. It’s actually overwhelming and stressful. The more I try to do, the less Christmas spirit I tend to have. The exact opposite of what I’m striving to do.

Last night God was reminding me that to model peace, you have to be still and accept the peace He has. I was trying to force the writing and God would not allow it. He instead forced me to accept His peace via sleep. Yeah, I was angry that I didn’t post, but I felt better about the day I had today. I was able to see God’s hand throughout the day and by association, the last few months. Had I tried to force the post, I would have been doing the equivalent of cramming my calendar full of Christmas traditions and expecting not to be overwhelmed or stressed out.

If you are truly trying to have a more peaceful Christmas season, you need to find time to be still. Sit and listen for God and how He wants to give you peace. It may be He wants to give you that list of Christmas traditions for your peace, but by being still first you will likely see God’s plans and hands in your Christmas traditions.

Close your eyes, have a conversation with God, and see what peace he brings. It could be a good night sleep, plans for Christmas traditions or something that you had hoped to hear from Him long ago. Just find the time to sit quietly and listen. He wants you to experience the peace that surpasses understanding this Christmas and every day afterwards.

May the Prince of Peace bless you with a Merry and Peaceful Christmas this year!