We’ve come to the last in my series of special words for the Christmas season…Love, Joy, PEACE. ‘Tis the season for PEACE. I know it’s past Christmas, but these words should be a part of our vocabulary all year. In fact, I have an annual tradition of picking a word for the year, a word that helps me focus on one area of my life I would like to work on during the year. This year, I’ve chosen the word “Peace”.

                There are several aspects of the word “peace”. It can refer to an outer condition pertaining to situations around us. The world is not at peace. There is war in many parts of the world. People are fleeing their homeland to come to the United States to find peace and protection from their predators.  I hear stories from refugees who are here and finally in a place where they don’t have to worry about invasion and where they are free to pursue their dreams.

                Even within the United States, people are searching for peace. Another aspect of “peace” refers to our chaotic, stress-filled world, which is not conducive to peace. There are numerous ways people calm their nerves and find peace. They may use music and exercises, such as yoga, to soothe their frayed nerves. They may drink herbal teas to relieve tension and help them sleep at night. Some people even use medications or preparations to help them calm down and feel at peace again. Sometimes, I use aroma therapy available in body lotions to help calm me and help me sleep.

               But, the most lasting form of “peace” refers to the inner calmness of our soul, which only Jesus Christ can give. We can experience peace amid the chaos of life and the threat of wars. When we are at peace with God, we find great comfort not just in our minds but also in our souls. Knowing we can trust God and his promises brings inexpressible peace. Promises such as,

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5,6 ESV)

“Cast all your cares (anxieties) on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

“(Believe me when I say), I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 ESV)

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed (focused) on You because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)

There are many more verses that refer to peace and will instill peace in our hearts. We will explore them more throughout the year. Knowing that all these promises are true and that God keeps His promises brings a sense of peace to our souls. The God who worked in Adam, Abraham, Noah, Joshua, David, and Daniel is the same God who is working in our lives today. He does not change. We can trust Him to be with us. I know the same God who sent his only Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for my sins will never leave me nor forsake me. He will never let me go. That gives me peace of mind and peace in my soul.

Since my word for the year is “PEACE”, I will be writing a lot more about peace. I will explore more ways to bring calmness in a chaotic world, and I will discover more promises directly from God given with the express purpose of bringing peace.

Please post any comments or questions in the space below. I would love to hear from you, and I would love to dialog with you about this subject of “peace”. I would also like to hear what word you have chosen for 2025.