Day One: What Do You Love About Christmas?

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)

A few weeks ago, a friend asked me what I love about Christmas.

I laughed and replied, “The better question is, what don’t l love about Christmas? Nativities, candles, twinkling lights, decorating cookies, our tree adorned with treasured family ornaments, and, of course, my favorite carols.”

As I stopped and reflected, I was suddenly struck by who I didn’t include. His name is Jesus.

My answer led to deep conviction. Though nativities filled my house, when asked to name what comes to mind when I think of Christmas, His Name was missing.

The moment I got home, I made an intentional decision to find a quiet place and take what I call a sacred pause with Jesus. To be still and ponder the precious gift of this season. To remind myself of the person, promises, and truths wrapped up in Christmas. It seems I’d forgotten them . . . not intentionally, but unintentionally.

Maybe you identify with me. The busyness of the season. The weight of what we carry during the season. The grief we may feel because of the empty seat at our table. The heartache of loss. Each one can overwhelm us in ways that cause us to forget the true and precious gift of this Christmas season.

Will you join me in intentionally setting aside a few minutes each day this week to celebrate Jesus?

Today we will focus on Jesus as our Prince of Peace.

The prophet Isaiah reveals this name of Jesus in Isaiah 9, “... And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (9:6, NIV)

Now, let’s ponder these precious promises from our Prince of Peace.

Our Prince of Peace promises to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him. (Isaiah 26:3)

Our Prince of Peace promises that we will lie down and sleep because He alone makes us dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

Our Prince of Peace provides a peace the world cannot give because He has overcome the world. We can trust Him to calm our hearts and still our souls. (John 14:26-28, John 16:32-33)

Our Prince of Peace has planted the fruit of His peace in our hearts, and it’s ours forever and always. (Galatians 5:22)

Friend, will you join me in making an intentional decision today to find a quiet place to spend time with the Prince of Peace? Yes, enjoy the carols, the candles, the trees, the lights, the cookies, and all the wonderful traditions. But in the midst of the busyness, take a sacred pause with your Prince of Peace today. Meditate and pray over the verses I shared and allow His peace to settle your soul.

Heavenly Father, please keep me in perfect peace. Help me to give everything over to You and fill me with overflowing peace. The peace that surpasses all understanding to guard my heart and mind. And when I lay my head on my pillow tonight, give me Your sweet, promised rest. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.