Practice peace for the holidays
“ … on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
— Luke 2:14 (NIV)
The trees are barren, the bell ringers have appeared, the television commercials are reminding us how many days we have left for shopping. With the pressure on, we can get caught up in the hectic hustle of the holiday season.
As we go about our preparations, it is good to keep our hearts and minds on the purpose we celebrate and the reason for Christ’s birth, which was to bring peace to men. The quest for peace began back in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve were kicked out for sinning. Ever since, mankind has struggled to find peace for our souls. Jesus Christ taught us that peace is a state of mind and takes some thoughtful consideration, God’s help and self-control over our emotions.
The holiday season is all about peace on earth and good will toward man. So, it’s a good time to test our emotions and practice peace toward others.
We set out to get our holiday shopping done quickly so we can stay on schedule. While at the mall, we circle the parking lot over and over again to find just the right spot. Finally, we notice someone placing their bags in the car and getting ready to leave. “Hurry up!” we mutter to ourselves as we wait impatiently for their space. Then, as they back out of the parking spot, out of nowhere, a car pulls up from the opposite direction. After all the time we spent waiting for the spot, they manage to pull right in.
We angrily mutter under our breath, and are tempted to show them a few unkind gestures and a dirty look. But, at that moment, we have the opportunity to practice peace on earth. Could God be testing our ability to calm our nerves when angry and be courteous to another?
A friend of mine shared with me that she was standing in an extremely long line at the checkout counter. The customers were starting to push up in line. Then a baby started to cry uncontrollably. My friend said everyone was upset by this screeching child.
So my friend walked up to the mother and child, offering some kind words and a tissue to wipe her tears, consoling both the embarrassed mother and troubled child.
As we go about our busy holidays, peace is one of the ways we can show God and others that we know the reason for the season.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.