News of Peace

The advent of Christmas causes my mind to spin, flip, and dart everywhere like a ball in a pinball machine. Traditions, plans, parties, and programs; trees, decorations, lights, and candles; presents — thinking of presents, buying presents, wrapping presents, and giving presents.

Into this flurry of activity, I read how an angel of the Lord came and said, "A Savior has been born to you." The timeless message of the season has a way of putting everything else in perspective.

The news the shepherds received that first Christmas night overshadows every other human experience and replaces our anxiety with peace. "A Savior has been born to you."

Weary world, full of darkness, hopelessness and fear... "A Savior has been born to you." You, faithful woman who has discovered her husband’s unfaithfulness... "A Savior has been born to you." You who have just received a diagnosis of cancer... "A Savior has been born to you." Even you who think you are rich but are soon to discover your spiritual poverty... "A Savior has been born to you."

I don’t know your circumstances this Christmas season. Maybe you are already enjoying a period of peace. Maybe, like me, you’re running for pinball wizard of the year. Wherever you are, I pray you will hear as if it was for the first time, the great news resounding from the city of David…

"A Savior has been born to you."

Father in Heaven, as Christmas approaches, help us not be overcome with whirlwinds of activity that rob our peace. Help us stop, receive, and savor the best news the world has ever received. Unto us has been born a Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go Deeper — Think of one thing each day of Advent that brings you peace, and then give God thanks for it.