We sing songs this time of year with words like,

"Silent Night, Holy Night,"

and

"Peace on earth and mercy mild."

Christmas lights sparkle throughout our neighborhoods

and

in our homes.

I don't think we can deny that there's something about the holiday season that causes us all to want to feel a sense of peace and joy in the midst of our hustle and bustle.

Most Christmas movies, even if they leave out the  exact message of Jesus' birth,

somehow bring people together in church scenes where love is felt in an extra-special way.

Christmas is an annual reminder that we are all longing for more from this world than we normally get on a day-to-day basis.

Christmas brings hope for a better life, a better way, a better purpose.

The simply Nativity scene appears on shelves throughout stores and homes,

reminding us that long ago a baby was born that changed the planet.......

whether we have accepted Him or not.

He came.

History changed.

The calendar started moving in another direction.

People accepted Him

or

they rejected Him.

And today, we are faced with the same decision.

With all of this stirring in our hearts, Christmas can sometimes become a difficult time of year when we realize that our life is lacking.

Maybe we're lacking someone we use to share the holiday season with,

or maybe we're lacking the funds to make our loved ones wishes come true.

Maybe we're realizing that deep inside us something is missing,

and the gnawing sense of restlessness makes us uncomfortable,

causing all the songs, the lights, the joy of Christmas to take us to places of questioning and doubt.

How do we find peace in the holiday season and all year long?

How do we become people who can handle the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad with a sense of joy,

knowing that one day all things will be made right in His presence?

This morning, I was reading Philippians 4,

and

Paul's simple formula for peace popped off the page and stirred me.

He says,

"Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done........

then

you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

If you find yourself feeling a sense of "peace-lessness" today,

try doing these two things:

1. Tell God what you need

2.  Thank Him for all He has done

See what happens as you turn to Him today with an honest and thankful heart.

I am thankful for each of you,

and

I am praying you find peace today.