Can you imagine the peace that filled that manger? The pure joy and love that radiated from the ceiling into the walls, surrounding the feeding trough, lighting up that entire room and landing in the hearts of Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds? Can you imagine?
As Christians, we tend to pray for peace in times of desperation, transition, worry and unrest. And through these prayers, many of us have experienced the comforting presence of The Holy Spirit. Our crying stops, our minds let go, and our desperation turns to complete surrender. If God can create this kind of unimaginable peace inside of us, then just think of the peace, love and joy felt on that day, in that manger when Jesus, our Savior, was born. A peace-filled, silent night with no worries, no heartache, no concerns - just a baby born to share His light and save us from our sins.
On this Christmas Eve, let’s ask God for a deep peace, maybe even a deeper peace than we’ve ever experienced before. Let’s ask Him to reach out to our friends and loved ones with His beautiful release from worry, concern and unrest. And, let’s simply allow Him to hold us, to shine His light on us, and to deliver us from the illusion of control.
6Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
