Theme:  It Would Take a Miracle . . . To Experience Real Peace

Weekend Music links on iTunes: All to You - Lincoln Brewster, Angels We Have Heard on High, None But Jesus - Hillsong, O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Read:     Isaiah 40:3-14, Eph. 2:14, John 14:26-27

Think:   Pastor Ben talked about the 3 top life-stressors involving a dentist, a policeman and a trip to the mall at Christmastime.    Well, that might not be exactly how he put it but we all know that Christmas shopping can be a real pain.   I happened to notice last weekend while shopping at the mall that although it was VERY busy, people seemed pretty chill and content.  I’ve been through this a few times and I know all too well that the general vibe in another 8-9 days will likely not be so pleasant.  My guess is that if you’re in the mall the week before Christmas, you’ve either been too busy, too poor, disinterested or disconnected with the holiday thing…. or as Ben said, you’re a man. 

It’s a shame that the Christmas season is such a difficult time for many.   This holy-day that we celebrate has evolved into an occasion that can bring incredible stress, including emotional, because of family dynamics, and financial because of extreme pressure (if not from the stores, from our family & friends) to buy more. 

I remember a song a few years back entitled “Hope was born in a manger.”   When we think of the love God showed us by bringing to earth His Son to save all mankind, we really do have a reason to celebrate.  The gift in our Savior, Jesus, is something to get excited about….plus, He left the Holy Spirit to be our Counselor.  If we yield to the wisdom of our Wonderful Counselor, how might He direct us to respond to this season in a God-glorifying way?  Would His way lead me to stress?  That’s unlikely since Jesus, Himself, is our Peace.

Do:  When you notice you are feeling stress about a situation, take a moment to stop and think about Jesus.  Just say His Name and ask God to reveal to you every truth of Who He is and how His presence in your life can help you deal with things in a new way. 

Pray: Thank you, Jesus for coming to save me and demonstrating a life you want me to follow.  Help me to yield to your Holy Spirit and help me to not yield to the stress-inducing pressures of the world.  It sounds impossible, but I am anxiously waiting to see my God of miracles intervene in supernatural ways in my life. Amen

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

4505 236th Ave. NE • Redmond, WA 98053 • 425-869-4400 • info@timberlakechurch.com