How to have Peace on Earth with out losing Goodwill Toward Men...

by Teri Spray

How can we enjoy the hustle and bustle and keep our focus on Jesus?

Over 2000 years ago the words, "Peace on earth! Goodwill toward men!" were uttered to announce the first Christmas. It's amazing how we still need to be reminded of those words in order to survive the Christmas season. Christmas can become the most hectic of all times of the year. We rush in and out of stores, zoom around parking lots and push to be first at the checkout lines. Then we dash home with our treasures and try to wrap presents, bake cookies and plan Christmas parties simultaneously. We mustn't forget the time spent decorating the tree, stringing house lights and digging out the remnants of last year's holiday decorations. Top it off with mailing Christmas cards and giving gifts to everyone you know and you have a very merry mayhem!

Peace? Goodwill? Not hardly! So how do we keep the Merry in our Christmas this year?
How can we find some Peace on Earth? Too often we lose the joy of the season when we begin to do things out of obligation and not out of the heart. Express your "Goodwill toward Men" through sincere acts of giving. The greatest Christmas gift we can give is to express genuine, heartfelt love toward one another. As you look over your Christmas list, ask yourself...will this person sense my love for them through this gift or service? If not, then don't do it! Ask yourself, "Am I doing this because of obligation or affection?"

Limit your activities to people with whom you want to share life-long relationships. These people become your first priority during the holidays. Then let the other opportunities and obligations fall away. Enjoy the precious moments; sit still as often as possible and simply reflect on the purpose of the season. Cherish the simple things, such as a favorite Christmas album or tradition, and then settle in for a wonderful peaceful holiday! Enjoy the blessings of your holiday season!