What's On My Grown-Up Christmas List?

The seasons of Advent and Christmas hold so much meaning for me. Nearly two decades ago, I faced a life-altering health crisis in December. While my past doesn’t define my future, it has shaped all the Christmases since. That experience transformed my Christmas list forever.

During that time of crisis, I realized that the only gifts that truly mattered were the ones God offers us. It’s not about the presents under the tree that we often stress over. Of all God’s gifts, the one that rose to the surface on the day of my crisis was the gift of peace.

I long for peace, not only in moments of crisis but also in the doubts of everyday life, in my relationships, vocation, habits, questions, quiet moments, and in our noisy and divisive world. I wish for God’s people to experience peace: peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of spirit (myself included).

I would say that because God’s kingdom is already here among us, peace is truly available all the time. But here’s the catch: peace doesn’t happen by accident. If peace is on your list, as it is on mine, perhaps it’s up to us to be the peace, seek the peace, share the peace, find the peace, and reflect the peace we so deeply desire.

I have found there’s one essential ingredient for welcoming peace into our everyday lives: presence. If we hurry and scurry through life, we’ll miss the gift. It’s not easy with life’s demands and yet I long to be present enough to let God fill my heart with peace, to control my heart every single day.

Colossians 3:15 (CEB) reminds us:
"The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people."

When I receive a gift, I’m grateful. Let’s remember to be thankful for the peace God so lovingly offers us. I’m choosing to be present and thankful this season, to see peace in the smile of a loved one, feel it in the hug of a friend, and sense it as close as my breath in nature, prayer, movement, and song. Peace is the gift I long for most. Thank you, Lord for that gift.

Presence in
Every moment helps me
Anticipate God’s gift of peace and remember
Christ is here
Even now.

Amen.

Reflect and Respond

• What does PEACE mean to you?
• What is your favorite place or activity for finding peace?
• Schedule and follow through on a 30-minute period of time this week spent doing something peaceful (preferably screen-free).