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By Pastor Abby Davidson

Grace and peace be yours abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 1:2

What does peace mean to us at Christmastime?

The word is plastered all over shop windows, ornaments, my coffee cup. I drive by a mosque on the way home and see “PEACE” lit up in neon on a giant sign.

It seems everyone is thinking about peace during this season. And rightly so.

At Christmas, we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace. We’re reminded that God came down so we could know his peace here on earth.

So why does it feel like we have to search for peace? Why does it feel so far out of reach?

I think of some of the people I’ve encountered over the last few weeks.

The woman whose hand won't stop shaking from her Parkinson's.

The neighbour who is waking up at three am to start his shift.

The mother who lost custody of her children.

The man who can’t find work.

The parent who has had enough of the cooking, cleaning and shopping that comes with Christmas.

What does peace look them for them? What does peace look like for me?

Sparkling lights and a world blanketed in snow remind us that we should feel cherry, thankful, festive... and these small indications that Christmas is here help. Still, we search for peace as if it's lost. Flying away, shutting ourselves inside, taking pause from our routine life in hopes of finding this peace.

And God speaks: My peace I leave to you, my peace give.

No one told us that peace doesn't have to be pursued. They didn't tell us that peace isn't about isolation or vacation or checking out of life.

Peace is a gift. One that is given freely. It doesn't drop in at Christmas like Santa, leaving only traces of its presence. It's not a memory for us to treasure or a wish to long for. No, peace can be a very present reality for us.

When our souls are tormented by confusion, when we're lonely, when our bodies disappoint us and when all is well; God's peace is there to behold, to experience, and to envelop us.

May your prayer today be that you will know the peace of God. A peace that comes from the father who gave his Son for us, so that we could have a relationship with him.

A peace that trusts God is working for you.

A peace that knows the Spirit will advocate for you.

A peace that knows that God was, is and will be.

Whether you're holed up for a while, making angels in the snow, hosting one, two or three Christmas dinners, know that the peace of God is for you.

May you know his peace this Christmas and always.