Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:14

It is early in December and already my calendar is filling up with Christmas activities, parties, and baking. I haven’t even started buying gifts yet. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can quickly become overwhelming for me. Where can a girl get some peace?

In Bethlehem about 2000 years ago, the town was buzzing with activity as well. Descendants of David from all over Israel had come to register for a census mandated by Caesar Augustus. The roads were probably crowded with people and animals while merchants hawked their wares. Can you imagine the noise and confusion for the townspeople and travelers? 

It was in this busyness we find Mary and Joseph searching for a place to spend the night. After days on the road, they must have been tired, dirty and hungry. Mary was close to giving birth. Was her back aching? Were her ankles swollen? Was she irritable? I’m pretty sure I would have been, especially after finding out all the inns had “No Vacancy” signs.

In the stable, the only place available for Mary and Joseph, the Prince of Peace was born amidst the surrounding flutter of activity. This Prince was born for us, as Isaiah’s prophecy declares. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus came to give us peace with God the Father, peace with other people, and peace of mind (Ephesians 2:14-18, Isaiah 26:3).

If the busyness and stress of the Christmas season threatens to erode our peace, let us look to our Prince of Peace for help. 

Jesus, guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:79).

Terri