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FAMILY Lifestyle
FAITH
FOCUS
How to Keep Your Peace at Christmastime
By Chad Denmon, Pastor at New Life Church
It's that time of year again! Hot
chocolate, sweaters, wrapping
paper, and hopefully some snow,
but you never know in Arkansas!
Christmas is just a few weeks
away, and to be honest, that thought
creates some tension inside of me as
I ponder what gifts to buy for my
family. I really enjoy getting presents
for some family members, but it's
a little challenging when trying to
figure out what to get for my crazy
Uncle Joe! (Just kidding! I don't
have an uncle named Joe). It's very
challenging when there's a strained
relationship in the mix. In seasons like
this, we can easily feel overwhelmed.
I know some of you are really
excited about this season, and yet
others might be struggling. Here is
what I want you to know: God wants
to be with us in both of those places.
Do you remember the song we
sing around this time called, “O
Come, O Come, Immanuel?” The
word, "Immanuel" actually means
“God with us.” It important that
we know that in our lives—in the
highs and the lows—Jesus came from
heaven to earth to be with YOU!
The Lord Almighty can divvy out
incredible peace, but is He your
40 • Saline County Lifestyles
Lord? Is He Lord of all? Christians
often compartmentalize their faith,
like categorical atheism. What I mean
by this is that we choose certain parts
of our lives that we just won't let the
Lord move into. It's usually the areas
where our lives have the most mess.
We tend to say to God, "Hey, You can
have this area of my life over here, but
don't mess with that stuff over there."
There are a few reasons for that.
Sometimes we just straight up say
to God, "That's my territory. I don't
want to give that up." Maybe it's a
hidden sin or an addiction. Other
times, there's so much embarrassment
attached to it that we don't want
to admit there is an issue. We fear,
"What will happen when everybody
finds out the mistakes of my past?"
We think God or others will reject
us if they discover the truth.
Let's see what we can
learn from Christmas.
Jesus was born in a dirty manger,
a stable, and a mess. I think it's
important to note that Jesus could
have said “No” to that. If you
were God, would you choose an
animal shelter or a palace? I know
what I would have chosen! So why
would God take His most treasured
possession and put it in a filthy,
I’m thankful that those
who call on His name and
believe in their hearts that
Christ was raised from the
dead will be saved. His
heart has always been to
reach and rescue you and
me, no matter the cost.
nasty environment? Because the
people who need Him the most
wouldn’t have access to Him! They
wouldn't go to the palace, because
they wouldn’t feel worthy enough.
I’m thankful that those who call on
His name and believe in their hearts
that Christ was raised from the dead
will be saved. His heart has always
been to reach and rescue you and
me, no matter the cost. In fact, He
truly paid the ultimate cost to save us,
heal us, and set us free, especially in
those areas we think are too messy for
Him. But I can say with confidence,
God can be trusted with the mess.
My desire is that you would
find the peace and hope that you
are looking for in this Christmas
season! His name is Jesus.•