Joy and Peace

Christmas. What does Christmas mean to you? Is it a time for presents and santa? What is the true meaning of this season?

This is a time for joy and peace. A time where we spead time with our families and friends. A time we praise God for sending His only Son. Now isn't that the greatest present we could ever receive. If this is what Christmas is about, then why is there chaos and stress?

Last week at church we were reading Philippians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness shold be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving make your request known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

So what do you get out of this piece of scripture? I would like you to meditate on these verses for a minute.

I have read these verses over and over again. They are constantly running through my mind. When I went to do some last minute Christmas shopping, there was a lady that was in complete panic mode! She was freaking out worrying about how she was going to get all her presents wrapped. I just felt terrible for her. I mean isn't that sad you spend your whole Christmas worrying about if all the presents are going to get wrapped.

Philippians 4:6 says "have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving make your request known to God." I mean why on earth are we having anxiety about presents getting wrapped or  under the tree being filled or if everyone will think the present you give them is the best. I think we should be giving thanks to the King of all Kings and celebrate His birth. We need to spend the time we are spending worrying about worldly things, praising Him and sharing the good news!

Verse 7 finally tells us that if we allow the peace of God to take control of our lives we will be happy. When you let God "guard your hearts and minds" we will experience a joy that not a single present can give us.

For the next couple of days as we wait to celebrate the birth of Christ, I pray that we leave the stress of the world behind us. I pray we accept the peace of the Lord into our hearts. Pray and re-read these verses and see what God is telling you. Lets spend this Christmas season rejoicing!