Our Peace at Christmas

As I write this I’m sick with my second cold in as many weeks. Quite frankly, it’s getting me down. I mean—I have things to do! Christmas is at hand.

While I’ve been held captive by compounding viruses, I’ve been watching too many reels about some of the bills/laws currently being debated, and passed, in our government. I normally don’t invest many hours into what instills fear and anxiety within me, but it’s good to stay informed. It’s also good to do our part in fighting what we know is wrong. Signing petitions, writing letters, making calls, and helping in ways that are brought to our awareness all have merit. In between, however, it’s like my cold. Sitting here whining with my sinuses overflowing only holds limited appeal, and fretting over what is happening in our world holds none. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had to make a choice: keep listening to and reading what serves to put my blood pressure up, or stop to evaluate where we’re really at.

During my year-end musings, what I’m thankful for should at least squeeze into my thoughts.

No matter what’s happening in the world, or what may be coming, our anchor—our God who is so good—is blessing us. If we belong to Him, through any and all strife we must not panic. 

I don’t say this lightly because believe me--I can panic. But, before we take a short walk into history, here’s a verse that helps me during my anxieties, and put things in healthy perspective:

Psalm 56:3 (NASB1995) “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?”

A group of women and I just finished going through a Bible Study that delved into the book of Ruth. Excellent is a one-word understatement of this study written by Kelly Minter (Full title: Ruth - loss, love & legacy). One of the take-aways was when this story happened—in the time of the Judges. The world was a mess! Human sacrifices, ill-gotten gains galore, corrupt governments, famines—all the horrific stuff was happening. But … there were also God’s people walking around, much like we do—women like Naomi and Ruth. Because their husbands died, these two were forced into temporary independence within a patriarchal society. There may have been … okay … there was a documented time when Naomi became bitter about her plight, but who wouldn’t? She’d lost a husband and both of her sons! Naomi even renamed herself Mara (which means bitter), but she and Ruth rose above that. How? With God's protection! 

The Bible is stacked full of governments that lacked integrity, but there were always people who believed in the one true God. These souls didn't have it easy, all were imperfect, but God’s protection and His powerful will covered them.

When Jesus was born things weren’t so ducky either. Those were the Herod years—the king who ordered all babies be killed. Imagine that as you hold your child or grandchild in your arms this Christmas. Can you even bring your mind to that sort of extremism? I wonder about Mary’s reaction when she learned of that. But what did God do? He stepped in and protected His people. 

I’m His people. If you believe, you’re His people too.

And just like that, my heart slows to a more relaxed rate, and I can’t help but look up and thank God for His constant protection, forgiveness and love. 

People and governments have been trying to annihilate believers in Christ for forever. There is truly nothing new under the sun. Right now, in many countries—Nigeria and China as only two examples—horrible persecution exists, but still God’s people stand for what they know is true. No matter what happens to us here—He will give us the strength to stand too. 

Make no mistake—God is with us! 

This Christmas as we stare at our twinkling trees, eat our traditional foods and visit with the people we love, let’s remember the Christ who came to set us FREE! He came at a time that held trials and tribulations, and His life on earth held so much of that. But He came and sacrificed Himself so we can have LIFE and JOY to the fullest!

May your Christmas time be full of peace as you throw your worries upward and leave them with Him.

Love, 

Pattie

Isaiah 9:6 (NASB1995) “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

Matt. 1:18-25 (NASB1995) - the only reason for this season!

Love,

Pattie

Christmas can be a difficult time for many reasons. I totally get that. If you need prayer I'd love to support you in this way. Message/email me any time.

THE WINNER of the FREE BOOK this month is:  TAREN T! Congratulations!