“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:76-79
This week as I’m putting the finishing touches on Christmas gifts, preparing packages to be mailed, making dinner plans, and planning on packing for a trip to the hospital to meet a new little someone one word I’m clinging to is peace.
I love this season, but at the same time I find myself mumbling about how I wish there wasn’t so much to do, that presents weren’t part of the equation, that there weren’t meals to be done and people to be pleased, and perhaps even that if this baby were already here things would be easier.
Somehow in my plans to avoid the stereotypical, hectic American celebration of Christmas, I jumped in with both feet.
My heart frets.
My mind makes lists that won’t fit with the days.
I worry that people won’t like handmade gifts, that someone will be forgotten.
I think about the money it takes to fulfill the requirements of the holiday and I cringe. Why can’t things be free?
How having a holiday and a baby collide isn’t the best planning.
Some moments I want to run away from it all, close the door on the celebrations, and return in the new year. I don’t want to be a Grinch, but when all the other “stuff” turns the longing for the promised hope into a longing to just escape…where’s the fun in that?
This morning as I sat in the quiet He spoke words of peace into my chaotic heart.
Trust, he says.
Don’t fret, he reminds me.
You don’t live for them, he whispers. You don’t live for the approval of man.
But isn’t it so easy to?
Trust me. Walk in my peace.
This week the goal is peace, to rest and trust, in Him who is Peace.
What about you? What struggles are you facing this season?
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