Life rarely goes according to plan. Just like a raccoon breaking into a store in the middle of the night, unexpected events crash through our carefully constructed expectations. We want peace, but what we often really mean is we want everything to go exactly as we planned—no drama, no surprises, no uncomfortable situations.

The first Christmas wasn't a peaceful, quiet scene from a holiday movie. It was chaotic, crowded, and stressful. Mary and Joseph traveled during a government-mandated census; roads were packed, towns were overcrowded, and there was no room at the inn. Jesus was born in a stable and placed in a feeding trough.

Yet in the middle of this mess, God sent a message through angels: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14).

Many of us tie our peace to our circumstances. We think: "If I can just pay this bill, then I'll have peace," or "If this relationship improves, then I'll feel peaceful." But Christmas tells a different story—God didn't wait for the world to calm down before bringing peace. He stepped into the chaos and brought peace right there.

Why Do We Struggle With Peace During the Holidays?
The holiday season often brings unique pressures:

1. Financial stress from Christmas expenses
2. Family tensions and difficult relationships
3. Grief from empty chairs at the table
4. Internal pressure to appear joyful when you feel anxious or exhausted

Peace Isn't What Happens When Life Calms Down
Peace is what happens when Jesus shows up in the middle of your real life. Your calendar, family, and finances may not look perfect this December, but that doesn't mean peace is off the table. It might actually mean you're exactly where God likes to work.

How Did God Bring Peace to the Shepherds?
The shepherds were doing ordinary work on an ordinary night when heaven broke through without warning. An angel appeared, and they were terrified. But the angel's first words were: "Do not be afraid."

This is God's pattern throughout Scripture. Before talking about peace, He addresses our fear. He's not saying nothing scary is happening—life is still hard, the world is still broken. But God's presence changes how we live with what scares us.

God Doesn't Always Calm the Storm Around You
But He can calm the storm inside of you. As Paul writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Paul uses the word "guard"—a military term—picture peace like a security team around your heart and mind. The notifications are still buzzing, the news is still there, but it's God who is standing guard inside. 

The biblical word for peace is "shalom," which means wholeness and restoration—everything brought back into alignment. It's not just about feeling calmer; it's about broken things becoming healed and pieces of your life being brought together under God's care.

Peace With God Comes First
Paul writes, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Before we ever feel peaceful, Jesus gives us something deeper—peace with God. The wall between God and us comes down at the cross.

How Can Peace Rule in Your Heart?
Paul says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15). The word "rule" is like an umpire making calls. Something is deciding what stays and what goes in your heart—either pressure is ruling, or the peace of Christ is ruling.

Peace Isn't a Mood You Chase
Peace is a person you choose to trust. When Jesus becomes your peace, it changes how you talk to your spouse, respond to your kids, treat coworkers, and handle daily stresses. Peace with God begins to overflow as peace toward others.

Your peace is not canceled by:

Your diagnosis
What's not in your bank account
That difficult person at work
Your anxious thoughts

Your peace doesn't come from circumstances—it comes from Jesus.

Peace Isn't Pretending Everything Is Fine
Peace is inviting Jesus into everything that is not fine and trusting that He is still in control. It might look like pausing before jumping into an argument, sitting in your car before a family dinner, asking God to help your heart, or being honest about your grief instead of stuffing it down.

This week, identify one area where you need to let peace rule instead of pressure. Don't think about ten things—focus on one. Maybe it's an upcoming conversation, a bill you're stressed about, or a situation that always stirs up drama.

Ask yourself: What would it look like if Jesus came into this situation? How can I invite His peace to rule here, rather than letting pressure control me?

Remember this truth: Peace doesn't come when everything is perfect. It comes when Jesus is present.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Where in your life are you trying to control circumstances instead of trusting Jesus?
2. What fears do you need to bring to God instead of carrying them alone?
3. How can you practically invite Jesus into your most stressful situations this week?
4. What would change in your relationships if you genuinely believed your peace comes from Jesus, not from others' behavior?