Dear Friends, please welcome my friend, Misty Phillip, to Peacefully Imperfect today. I am so happy to have her as a contributor for this special series on ‘Peace.’ Her message is timely, thought provoking and filled with hope. You will be blessed.  

I love the Christmas season it is the most wonderful time of the year! From the first moment, temperatures turn cool and I get to pull out all of my favorite sweaters and boots. I start longing for the Christmas days ahead. There is an excitement in the air, an expectation, and a longing in my heart.

However, for many people, Christmas can be one of the most challenging times of the year. Especially, for those going through a prolonged difficult season or are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Where will peace be found for the hurting this Christmas? Can we find it in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush? Is it something we can buy in a store and wrap up in a bow and put under our tree? Will I find it in my home? Will you find it in yours? Or if I turn on the news and hear of threats of Nuclear war from South Korea will I lose it?

Life is filled with trials and tribulations, even at Christmas. Several years ago my mother-in-law died suddenly a few days after Thanksgiving. Our family was devastated by her loss. The loss of a loved one can dramatically change the way you celebrate the holidays, and its effects can last for years to come. Although we were filled with deep anguish and loss, we drew closer to our family and embraced the love of Christ.

Jesus parting words to his disciples gives us hope. He leaves his disciples with a final word of encouragement in John 16:33. Jesus tells his disciples, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus warns his disciples that they will have trouble, that they will face trials and tribulations. Christ came to give both the disciples and ourselves peace, joy, and victory over the world. We do not overcome the world. The word “I” in that sentence is very emphatic, and it refers to Jesus. Jesus has overcome the world. Through Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection were are no longer alienated from a holy, just, and righteous God. Jesus defeated Satan and the world at the cross so that we can have communion with God and direct access to His throne room.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Our lives can be stressful, especially when we enter this beautiful season. Often times it is the most hectic time of year. Should we be filled with anxiety, or allow stress to overtake our lives? No, we are to have peace, his perfect peace.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

We are to remain at peace, even in the midst of all of the challenges we face in life. We should not be anxious about anything. We are to pray with thanksgiving and praise to God, and in return, He gives us the peace that passes all understanding, and it will guard both our heart and our mind. We won’t find this peace anywhere else in the world; this peace only comes from Jesus. As we abide in Him, we have peace.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.”- Colossians 3:15

When we abide in Christ we exchange the heartache and cares of this world for the peace of God. Even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, we find ourselves in it is possible to have peace. Jesus is the prince of Peace. If you are carrying the weight of the world around with you today, I encourage you to stop right now and ask God to take away your burden and ask him to be your Prince of Peace.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

True peace can only come from knowing Jesus Christ because He is peace.

When trials come our way, we choose how we will respond to them. We can choose to succumb and become bitter. We can focus on our difficult circumstance and linger in grief or we can embrace those trials and choose to let them make us better. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and abiding in his presence, no matter what our circumstances may bring we can be at peace.

My prayer for you this Christmas Season that is that you will embrace the Prince of Peace and that you will let the Peace of Christ rule and reign in your heart this Christmas Season and throughout the coming year!

Misty

Misty Phillip is an author, blogger, and speaker. Misty blogs about Christian Living, Faith, Home, and Family at MistyPhillip.com By His Grace – Seek Jesus, Study the Word, & Grow in Grace.

Misty is wife and best friend to Peter, and mom to three young men. Misty left her corporate job 16 years to homeschool her boys and thus began an adventure of a lifetime! She shares her adventurous Christian life online and you can connect with Misty Phillip at MistyPhillip.com, while you are there be sure to get your free Holiday E-book, Enjoy the Holiday of Your Dreams – A Four-Step Guide to Help You Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season!