Tis the Season
When you think about the Christmas season, I’m guessing the first emotion that comes to mind is not peace. For the people who love the decorations, I’m sure joy and excitement fill their hearts and minds as they think about placing all the ornaments perfectly on the tree and setting out all the little trinkets. For others, they may feel overwhelmed by all of the “stuff” that needs to be bought and all the places they’ll have to travel. Then, there are those wading into the Christmas season that feel like they’re drowning. They’re overwhelmed by the sadness and emptiness they feel in their hearts as they think about the person they loved who will not be with them this Christmas season. In all of these scenarios, the idea of peace seems farthest from the picture, yet, in the midst of it all, peace is something we should all long to find. Not only that, but as we look to Scripture, we see this truth hiding right in plain sight.
Peace in Trust
At first glance, peace probably isn’t the first thing you’ll notice in the story. In Luke 1, when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that not only is she highly favored but that the Lord is with her. Mary is actually fearful in this moment and even troubled by what this greeting may be about. From my perspective, it seems pretty clear that she should be safe. He told you that you were favored, meaning God’s pleased with you, yet Mary is afraid. Gabriel recognizes this he tells her not to be afraid and reminds her again that she has found favor before God and begins to tell her what is coming. As Mary listens to everything being said, she’s left with a choice. Will she be overwhelmed by the fear that rushed over her at the start, or would she trust the plan that Gabriel has shared with her?
Her response was, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” This type of response can only be found through trust in God. A response that trusts God with every ounce of her being. Setting aside her concerns or doubts, there is potential rejection from Joseph if he does not believe what she says is true. The judgment from her community and family. Even the struggle of pregnancy as a still single woman. All of these are realities for her at this moment, but she leans in on His peace and trusts His plan, as evidenced in her time with Elizabeth following the announcement. Luke writes that Elizabeth reminds her that she is blessed to trust God’s place, and then he shares Mary’s song of praise. Words that could only be sung by someone filled with the overwhelming peace that only comes from the Lord.
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”
Our Peace
Looking back over Mary’s story, I can’t help but look in the mirror and reflect on my own life. How many times have I allowed fear to overtake my trust in God? How many times have I forgotten the hope I have in Christ? If I’m being honest, more than I want to admit. Whether it’s the times I doubted that God could use someone like me in ministry. The times when I stay up worrying about situations in my kids’ lives that are outside of my control, or even the times when I think I know what needs to be done and neglect seeking God’s direction. All of these remind me that I need to be closer to Him to find the peace that only He can provide.
In Romans 8, Paul talks about our present sufferings and the future glory for believers. He states that all creation is groaning as in pains of childbirth waiting on Christ’s return, even up to the present time. Not only that, but as we wait, we hope. We hope for something that is unseen. As he reminds us, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” The type of peace needed to rest in this hope is also promised to us through the Holy Spirit, as evidenced in Galatians 5:22, but it’s up to me to draw close to Him and allow Him to pour it out over my life. For me to do this, I have to set aside my desires for his plans, and I don’t know about you, but this is the hardest part for me.
Peace in Rest
Earlier, I mentioned that the Christmas season can often bring different emotions to all of us. The truth is, I don’t know who exactly is reading this right now, so I have no clue what you’re going through. What I do know is that Jesus’ very words told us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He is waiting and longing for you to reach out to Him right now. To allow Him to be a part of your story and fill you with His peace that surpasses all understanding. It doesn’t mean that the hurts will go away, but it does mean that we can find the purpose in it all. We don’t get to see every bit of Mary’s story, but I’m sure we can think of all the struggles she faced over those nine months. As she traveled with Joseph to Bethlehem and found no place even to give birth to her son except a lowly manger, she trusted His plan. My favorite part, though, is that after the shepherds come to visit and leave praising God, we get a beautiful picture of peace. Luke 2:19 states that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” In it all, she not only trusted in God’s plan, but she found rest in it.
My challenge for you is that if you’re finding yourself struggling through the trusting moments, take a moment and rest in Him. Open up your Bible and spend time in His Word. Share your cares and concerns with Him and lay them at His feet. Find a quiet place in your house or sit outside under the stars. Just be still and listen to Him. Grab a pen and paper and write out your thoughts. Get a close friend and talk with them. Don’t even ask for advice; just tell them you need to share and ask them to pray for you to be able to rest in Christ. Reach out to someone in your church and ask for support. God’s with you. He’s got you, and just like Mary, He has a plan for you in this season. Are you willing to receive His peace as you trust in His plan and find the rest that only He can provide? He was faithful then, and He is faithful now.
