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Take back Christmas!

Wanda Smith writes about peace and the Christmas season
OnTheFrontPorch_WandaSmith
On the Front Porch by Wanda Smith

One of the childhood winter views I valued most was the beam of light cast at night from the light perched high on the Quonset. It was an especially special view from the kitchen window when it was snowing. We knew what type of weather we’d encounter simply by the scene that the light revealed. If the light was faint, we knew it must be a pretty big storm. Other times, it revealed the soft, gentle fall of snowflakes to the ground. That was such a peaceful scene, even in my memory today.

At Christmastime, our desire is to have a peace-filled holiday season. We tend to have expectations of the picture perfect Christmas; getting caught up in the preparations of food, gifts, decor and the like. Back to my childhood, the only real marketing we’d encounter was the Sears Christmas Catalogue we’d spend hours perusing, or the brightly decked mall when we went to the city for groceries and Christmas shopping.  

Today, we are inundated with sales and promotions right in front or our eyes. Our smart phones and tablets are designed to promote what we show interest in, customizing our shopping experience. I once looked for a red/black buffalo check shower curtain and those advertising gurus are bound and determined to sell me one yet! 

In our quest for peace, we may try to control our physical places and spaces. We determine we are going to do better this year; keep it simple and spend less. The real answer to finding peace, though, is not in our outside circumstances. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, whether it is an empty bank account, stressful relationships or feeling disorganized and overwhelmed with our to-do lists, we can go to a place of peace.  

That place of peace is found with the Prince of Peace, Jesus. He says, “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, and easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” Matthew 11:28-30

He is knocking at the door of our hearts, desiring to come in and fellowship with each of us. It is as simple as a heartfelt whisper... a quiet prayer... a simple request that He would reveal Himself to us... reaching out to Him with the language of the heart. He promises that He will come in if he is invited; and He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. He will even help us to have a peace-filled Christmas season if we ask.

Spend time inquiring of Him for wisdom in ways you can invite the Spirit of peace into your life and home. You can choose to set an atmosphere throughout this season.  You can change the outcome that you may have been dreading. Forming the right expectations can determine the right outcome.

Take back your peace. Take back Christmas for what it is meant to be... to align with the way Jesus would want us to celebrate by keeping our peace, spreading joy and sharing love to those in our homes and families, with our neighbors and in our communities. Keep perspective, dear friends as we anticipate a peaceful Christmas.

This week of advent, let the Prince of Peace bring peace to your heart.  My prayer is that you will experience the most peaceful Christmas ever! 

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