Securing Peace Within

It’s interesting to note that most businesses prepare for the Christmas season by purchasing products well in advance. I know someone who shops for holiday gifts in July. For this person it decreases stress and provides for a consciousness of peace. Being at peace with oneself is a worthy objective.

While securing peace is not always easy, conflict resolution is usually possible. What causes peace to be fragile and tentative is that human nature tends to believe one’s own way of thinking and believing is superior to others. Contentment, joy, and peace come by accepting that all people are created in the image of God.

While this may not totally eliminate disharmony, you can listen to what others believe, think, and feel without arguing. Although difficult, you can conduct yourself on this level. Listen to Philippians 4:7.  “Let the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” That is God's gift to you.

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“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

~John 14:27 New Living Translation 

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Christ's Peace at Christmas – Receive It

The chaos we encounter during the holidays often comes from within ourselves, wrapped up in expectations that are out of bounds for what actually needs to be achieved. Chaos and joy are not easily blended. Reevaluating what I expect and what others expect is a process of separating truth from fantasy. What I can be in reality now must be accepted.

Jesus is God’s gift of peace even as we live with chaos and troubles. Jesus said, “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give.” What we can do now is open our hearts completely to receive this precious gift. God bless you and Merry Christmas.  

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I leave behind with you – peace; I give you my own peace, and my gift is nothing like the peace of this world. You must not be distressed, and you must not be daunted.

~John 14:27 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

~Philippians 4:7 Contemporary English Version

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.