Peace or Pressure?

With only 2 days until Christmas, you might be feeling a little bit of PRESSURE.  

This pressure comes from a variety of sources.

1. Family situations: trying to please all of the in-laws, out-laws, step-laws and the kids.

2. Traditions: struggling with 'how it's always been done' and breaking that cycle

3. Budget: Need I say more?

4. The Culture: Commercials bombard us with the pressure to find the 'perfect gift.'  Do you really know anyone that received a Lexus tied with a red bow?  Seriously.

Many times this pressure is self-inflicted.  It comes with the gender.  Have you ever seen a group of men in a flutter over Christmas?  Well...  if you happen to go to the mall today, you might see some men in a flutter.  They all look alike, with a dazed and confused look on their faces.  Many of them will be toting along several kids, loaded down with their purchases.  Bam!  Done in one trip to the mall.

But as women, it isn't just about the shopping.  

It's about creating the environment for the season.  We are designed to nest and nurture.

We are creative and caring.  It is often the mom's job to set the tone of her home.  With that comes the responsibility and the pleasure to make her home and the Christmas festivities a true blessing.   

Many of us thrive on details.  We want our homes and families to be captured in the wonder of the season.

Unfortunately, we often go to the extreme, adding pressure to ourselves.

We get so wrapped up in the BUSYNESS of it all that we forget about the Prince of Peace that we are celebrating.  My weakness is that I get so busy, that I overlook my Savior.  The true reason we celebrate this time of year.

The last thing God wanted for the celebration of His Son's birth is pressure.  Stop and think how He entered the world.

A peaceful night. A quiet, holy night.

No pressure.

No busyness.

Just a Savior.

The Prince of Peace.

Jesus says, 'Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Do we usually associate the words REST and EASY with Christmas?  I think not.

We can't have the peace of God until we have peace with God.

My prayer is that you will be a joy to others and have a presence of peace toward those you encounter this week.