Holiday Peace!
"Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God."
Philippians 4: 6
A 2023 survey by the American Heart Association
noted that out of 1,000 respondents 63 percent said
Christmas holidays are more stressful than the April
tax season. And 51 percent reported it takes weeks
to recover from the holidays, especially for mothers.
The first Christmas was simpler than our modern,
commercialized version—and, less stressful, we
think. There was fear and stress associated with
the first Christmas
as well.
Zechariah was fearful of the announcement of his
son John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:13). Mary was
fearful about becoming the unwed mother of Jesus
(Luke 1:30). And the shepherds outside
Bethlehem
were fearful when angels announced Jesus’ birth
(Luke 2:10).
In each case, it was the fear
of the unknown that resulted
in their unrest.
If you have concerns or fears, commit them
to God in prayer. Be anxious for nothing by
receiving His peace (Philippians 4:7).
"Courage is fear that
has said its prayers."
Unknown
