Who or what is ruling your heart this Christmas. Is it stress over all you need to do, what presents to buy, how much to spend? Is it worry over health issues, finances or work situations? Is it concern for family and friends who are going through difficulty or a time of need? Is it fear for what the future holds for you, for your loved ones, for our world? Many things can plague our thoughts and overtake our hearts. Sometimes we look at all that needs to be done, all that is wrong with the world, all that we want to fix, and we truly can’t cope or foresee what our next step should be. It is paralyzing! In these moments we realize that peace is truly the greatest gift—peace in our hearts and minds because we know who is on the throne, who has control, who holds the future! This is the gift that is available to you in Jesus Christ!

Scriptures
Jn 14:27; Col 3:15

Verse
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (Jn 14:27) And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. (Col 3:15)

Thought
No matter who or what is ruling your heart this Christmas, you are NOT in control. You never have been, aren’t now, and never will be! Maybe you know this but your heart just hasn’t caught up with your mind. This is a common flaw in our human condition…getting our mind and our heart to agree and rest in the sovereignty of Jesus Christ is a battle. However, it is a battle worth fighting because the “gift” that Jesus brought and left for all who receive Him as Lord and Savior is peace—unequivocal, incomprehensible, miraculous, yet attainable PEACE! Know Jesus, know Peace…no Jesus, no peace.

Questions
Are you spending time with Jesus daily by reading his word and praying? How important is peace to you? What are you willing to give up to have peace in your mind and heart? What is the most peaceful time you can remember in your life? Does your activity indicate more frenzy or peace? How can you experience peace in your heart when everything is crazy and stressful around you? Have you ever felt guilty for being at peace with a situation in which everyone else was frenzied?

Response
Spend time with Him! Read your Bible. Peace comes from feeding on God’s word. It is life, hope and health to the body and spirit.

Prayer
Gracious Lord, you came to give peace! Help me to receive your gift. Help me to lay aside all that weighs me down and allow you to reign supreme in my mind and heart. Allow your peace to pour over me. You are my peace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.