Christmas Peace

The day after Thanksgiving, Pam and I set out to find a small Christmas tree for our apartment. It never occurred to us that it was “Black Friday.” We never, ever go shopping on Black Friday. For us, it was a day like any other. That is, until we got caught up in the sea of cars and shoppers.

When we pulled into the Walmart parking lot, I said to Pam, “Wow, it sure looks like a lot of other people are shopping today.” You may think Pam and I are naïve…but like I said, we never, ever shop on Black Friday. So, we had forgotten all about it…until the mob-scene at Walmart.

Since Pam couldn’t find “the right tree” at Walmart, we continued our quest. This eventually led us to the “the mall.” I kid you not, there was not one parking space left amidst the thousands of spaces surrounding the mall. We drove around for about 30 minutes with dozens of other cars looking for a space. Nothing doing. Every single space was taken.

Finally, I suggested that Pam go into the mall alone to shop while I circled the parking areas like a vulture ready to pounce on the first available spot. I circled and circled and circled, but to no avail. I had at least three cars in front of me for every car that pulled out of their stall.

Eventually, Pam found a tree that she liked, purchased it, and we rendezvoused at the other end of the mall in the parking lot to load it up. I never did find a parking space.

Lesson learned…it will likely be the last time I forget the date and go shopping on “Black Friday.”

Amidst the hustle and hassle, it caused me to reflect on how I can experience more peace during this Christmas season.  In Isaiah 9:6 Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. If this is true, then I should increasingly experience peace as I follow the Prince of Peace. And you too!

The most important step, for me, has been to learn to live consistently filled with the Holy Spirit. Whenever I do this, my personal peace index skyrockets. To be filled with the Holy Spirit means that I am consciously aware of his presence and leaning into his power and direction.

Why? Because when I am filled with the Holy Spirit I experience more of the fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. An orange has several wedges or sections. In a similar way, the fruit of the Holy Spirit has nine nuances…including peace. The Bible calls this a peace that passes all understanding. It’s a supernatural gift from God.

Jesus promises this peace to his followers. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

I don’t claim to always experience this peace. I have my moments, too.

But I do know this…when I live filled with the Holy Spirit, I always have his peace. Always.

I want to enjoy peace this Christmas…even when I’m driving endlessly around a mall looking for a parking space. I’m guessing you do, too.

The key is to live filled with the Holy Spirit. Let’s begin now.