Finding Peace in a Different Christmas

Reflection written for NOLA fmc (requested by Pastor Sarah Grice-Rhinehart).

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:‘Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”(Luke 2:13-14, NKJV)

 Peace. That first Christmas sounds a bit different than celebrations these days.How in the world do I find peace amidst the chaos of the holiday season?...between the excitement of parties and lonely nights that get dark too soon…amidst ensuring we have gifts for ~15 family members who live in 3 states...between longing for the magic of childhood and wanting to make Christmas magical again...amidst missing loved ones who aren’t here... Immanuel, God with us.When my mind is swirling with lists and my emotions say I’d rather stay in bed all day, what do I do? Do I ignore my emotions and keep going, or do I let them overwhelm me? Or is there another way? Jesus said He is the way.So I pause. I recognize where I am. I acknowledge “God with us” in the midst of all this. I surrender.Maybe I can’t get excited as normal about Christmas festivities this year. That’s ok. This is where I am, and God meets me here. I don’t have to pretend, push through, or give up. I invite God in. Somehow, His presence makes peace with my circumstances. I don’t have to understand my circumstances, but I get to know my maker. He came. He is with us. He promises to turn all things for good, one day.This is where I find peace. But peace in any season isn’t just for me. I receive peace so that I can bring peace to the chaotic world around me: The peace of God reigning on earth as in heaven. That is why He came.Come Immanuel - My first Christmas song based on these reflections.