This was honestly the best Christmas I’ve had in years. I’ve always loved Christmas, but having kids makes it even more special. Watching their faces light up when they open a gift they’ve wished for—or one they didn’t even expect—is pure joy. As a parent, it’s a unique happiness to know what your kids need, even when they don’t know how to ask.

This year, Christmas felt different. Not bad in any way, just different.  I didn’t cut back on any gifts I wrapped or parties I attended. Honestly, I ended up wrapping and giving more gifts than last year, but it was peaceful like never before. I wasn’t any more intentional with planning or preparing. I didn’t work any harder to save or tuck money away for spending. I did it exactly the same as I always do.  I made lists and stuck to them, and there was an abundance that I can’t explain.  None of it was a chore, but a joyful invitation to take part in His work of giving and reminding us why He came. It was peaceful.

We were intentional about spending time with family and friends and about reminding our children of the true meaning of Christmas. We were dead, and Jesus came to save us and make us alive! That’s the reason we celebrate!

The source of this season’s difference lay in the peace Jesus’ presence brought. He has always been present, of course, but maybe this year I truly accepted the invitation to notice that peace more fully.

Before Jesus showed up on the scene as a human, His future arrival was declared in Isaiah.

​“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Prince of Peace. He’s not only peace for the world, but for our daily lives as well. Our souls find rest as we trust Him for all we need. Without Him, we cannot be at peace with God. He promised to leave His peace with us and assured us He would never leave.

​“These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:25-27

​“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

I feel like, as a parent, I get to see on a small scale how God might feel when He gives us gifts we didn’t know we needed. Sometimes our reactions are like a spoiled child who shares their disappointment when they open a gift that wasn’t on their carefully curated wish list. And sometimes, we stop and share the joy with Him when we realize that while the gift we opened wasn’t on our wish list, it’s exactly what we needed, and He knew it all along. The joy of following Christ and abiding in Him by staying in constant communication with Him, by the work of the Holy Spirit, brings the peace that we receive by being in His presence.  It’s a promise, and we can hold on to it and count on it daily for the peace we need to energize our souls and calm our weary hearts. I’m so glad that God knew the world would need peace and, in His providence, knew my soul would need a Prince of Peace.  He loves us ardently! 

Ardently His,

Jessica

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