Merry Christmas, Bridgeway family!
For many, this is a special time of the year where we get to exchange gifts with loved ones, sing Christmas carols, and share in holiday traditions. For others of us, the holidays can be a difficult time of the year.
Last Tuesday on my radio show, Real Talk with Dr. David Anderson, I posed this prompt to my audience: “The toughest thing about the holidays for me is…”
How would you fill in the blank?
Finding gifts for other people? Traveling? Trying not to go broke? Being single? Living in a rocky marriage? Managing strained family relationships?
As listeners called in, it became apparent that whether the toughest thing about the holiday was grief from losing a loved one, dysfunctional family dynamics, or even financial strain, the holidays are not always the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
Friends, whatever it is that makes the holidays tough for you, I challenge you to find peace this Christmas. Imagine that our Savior and Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, came to this Earth in possibly the most peaceful way possible as a baby born in a lowly manger. Jesus was born so that we can have peace with ourselves, peace in our relationships, and peace with God.
John 16:33 reads, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 says, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
You may be asking, how can I find peace?
Here are a few practical ways to find peace this Christmas:
- Repair a broken relationship. Start afresh with a friend or family member by reaching out to make amends. It could be as simple as giving them a call and wishing them a “Merry Christmas!”
- Let go of unmet expectations. While a nicely cooked meal on the dining room table surrounded by family members sharing moments of laughter may be ideal, it’s not always the reality. Don’t allow disappointments to take away your peace.
- Remember the Christmas Miracle. It is awesome we can celebrate the birth of Jesus this Sunday by coming together as a church body. When we elevate the Prince of Peace and make Christmas about His coming, we give it new meaning and purpose.
I hope this encourages you to find peace this Christmas season and throughout the holidays! If you are struggling to stay encouraged this Holiday season, please consider reading my latest book BE ENCOURAGED: How to Encourage Yourself and Others in Discouraging Times. You can purchase it online on Amazon or pick up a copy in the Resource Center at our Columbia Campus.
As 2022 comes to an end, I pray that 2023 will be a year that overflows with blessings. You can join me next Sunday, January 1st as we kick off the New Year with our First Fruits service. Start 2023 prepared to believe and receive God’s promises because you have made Him your priority. You can visit www.bridgeway.cc/firstfruits for more information about the First Fruits offering and giving to the Lord in anticipation of what God will provide for you this New Year.
If you need help or support, please contact Care.
If you are looking for activities where you can meet others, check out our Events.
If you are looking for people to do life with, connect with our Groups.