Every year, the holidays begin with an onslaught of commercials, movies, Christmas specials, travel advertisements, and more, all promoting a simple idea: the holidays are for togetherness, family, and loved ones. Between November and January, it can easily feel as though suffering, pain, and grief have no place.

In this world so many things disrupt our peace. Wars, politics, family dynamics, our jobs, the economy, etc. Everywhere we look we have countless reasons to be restless, terrified, and on guard. Even our very thoughts can be assailants on our peace; relentlessly reminding us of our failures, our shortcomings and our fears. It is so easy to remain anything but peaceful and yet that is the very gift the Lord Jesus has given us.