December inspires images of peace. Of families sipping hot chocolate around a tree strung with popcorn and homemade ornaments. Of carollers bundled up, aiming simply to share the story of Jesus through the songs they sing. And of fluffy snowflakes falling so gently and peacefully that one wonders if gravity is a little weaker than usual.
Somewhere along the way, though, contrasting images of crowded malls, credit card bills, and traffic jams have pushed their way into our perception of Christmas.
I would guess that for many, the idea of a peaceful December sounds like a nice but unlikely ideal. So, in the spirit of peace on earth and good will to men (Luke 2:14), I offer a couple ideas for peaceful living during a season that is often busy and stressful.
-
Bundle up and go for a walk (one that doesn’t take you up and down the aisles of a crowded department store)
-
Turn off the noise, even if only for 10 minutes
- Sip some hot tea and watch the goings-on outside your window
- Read the Christmas story by candlelight
- Cut out some paper snowflakes
- Do anything you can think of that welcomes a sense of stillness and peace
- The TV, the radio, even your favourite Christmas album—turn them all off and experience the silence that remains.
Alone or with friends or family, take in some fresh air on a crisp night and enjoy the hush of evening, perhaps fixing up some hot chocolate or apple cider to warm up afterward.
Peace was present with the group who gathered around a newborn baby on that first Christmas night, just as it is present in our modern encounter with the Christmas season.
This holiday season, let’s intentionally find moments to discover and experience this peace in all of its richness and fullness.
By Ashley Ronnell
Read bio and see more from this author
