At this time of year we talk of peace and sing of peace. Yet the news headlines seem to shout a different message. One of war, fear, and darkness. As we drive through neighborhoods, homes are decorated with lights that pierce the dark. Their message of Christmas is connecting with the true source of light and peace: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Because of Jesus, we are blessed to find peace, during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
Promise of Peace
All were invited to find peace and joy that first Christmas—the wise and wealthy, the humble and homeless. To tell his chosen people, God sent a star. As they prepared to meet the Lord, The shepherds were seeking. The wisemen were anticipating. And the angels were witnesses.
In a Christmas address, Jeffrey R. Holland taught,
It is significant that all of this unfolds in the night, that period when muscles relax and fatigue is laid to rest, when prayers are said, when revelation is anticipated and divine beings are most likely to be near. And once a year, night is when children can scarcely close their eyes for the delight that is bubbling within them, knowing tomorrow it will be Christmas.1
Through scripture, and prayer—with the Holy Spirit—we are all invited to come to Bethlehem to find peace, from a newborn baby who slept in a manger.
Peace in Pain
When war is waging, we are invited to find peace in Jesus. Some wars aren’t fought with death-dealing weapons. They are within our minds and souls. Christ makes peace possible inside each of us
After a lifelong battle with depression, in March of 2014 my sister Meg succumbed to mental illness and died by suicide. The first Christmas after her passing, my heart was really hurting, especially as I placed all of her Christmas ornaments, which she had left to me, on the tree.
I remembered playing soccer with Meg, and going together on road trips. And I cried. During that painful holiday season, I struggled to find peace inside. Because of Christ I knew that I would be with Meg again. To find peace I needed to remember the one who suffered most of all.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4–5)
In times of grief, depression, and pain, we can be blessed to find peace because of a loving Savior who sacrificed Himself in a garden and on a cross.
To Find Peace in the Plan
You may be leaning on the testimony of shepherds and angels. You may be struggling to find peace in a time of mourning, anxiety, loneliness, or depression. But I testify that opportunities to find peace are possible. They have always been the plan. As the Lord told the people of Alma,
I will . . . ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. (Mosiah 24:24)
As the carols fade away and the decorations are boxed up, I hope you will keep in your heart and mind a piece of Christmas peace. Remember that to find peace is possible. Camille N. Johnson assured us,
Jesus Christ can lighten our load.
Jesus Christ can lift our burdens.
Jesus Christ provides a way for us to be relieved of the weight of sin.
Jesus Christ is our relief.2
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