Finding Peace During the Holiday Season

7:01

The holiday season is here—a time filled with festivities, the crackling of fires, and gatherings with friends and family. You’d think all that connection and cozy togetherness would be a recipe for peace and joy, right? But let’s be real: for many, this season feels anything but peaceful. Tense family dynamics, unmet expectations, and the relentless hustle of holiday preparations can make it downright overwhelming. Just think about how many people braved the chaos of Black Friday or anxiously awaited Cyber Monday to snag those deals. If you survived that shopping mayhem, kudos to you! But let’s talk about something more lasting than crossing items off your gift list: finding real peace this season.

The world has plenty of coping mechanisms it claims will help us get through. We overindulge in parties, numb our stress with distractions, or completely isolate ourselves, thinking that’s the solution. While these strategies might offer temporary relief, they rarely address the deeper struggles we face. Thankfully, there’s a better way. Jesus offers us peace that transcends understanding, peace that doesn’t come from avoiding our problems but trusting in Him.

Whether you’re new to following Jesus or just exploring what faith looks like, stick around. Let’s unpack how to find peace this holiday season, hold onto it, and keep it at the center of our lives.

Remember Who Gives True Peace

When it comes to peace, it’s important to remember that it’s not just a concept—it’s a person. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He’s the One who freely gives it. In John 14:27, He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (ESV)

The world’s version of peace often involves numbing or distracting ourselves from the chaos. But Jesus offers something far deeper and more lasting. His peace isn’t about masking our struggles; it’s about transforming them. When we feel overwhelmed or anxious, we can turn to Him. He’s ready to meet us where we are and pour out His peace into our hearts.

St. Augustine said it well: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord.” If you’re feeling restless this season—whether because of family tensions, financial stress, or just the sheer busyness of it all—take a moment to rest in Jesus. He’s the only source of true peace.

Bring Your Burdens to Jesus

The holidays can be heavy. Maybe you’re grieving a loss, feeling the weight of financial pressures, or struggling with loneliness. Whatever you’re carrying, Jesus invites you to bring it to Him. In Matthew 11:28-30, He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (ESV)

This promise isn’t just about physical rest—it’s about peace for your soul. When we hand over our stress, anxiety, and burdens to Jesus, He takes them on and replaces them with His peace. It’s not magic; it’s a relationship. And in that relationship, we find the strength to face whatever comes our way.

Corrie ten Boom, who survived incredible hardships during the Holocaust, once said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Holding onto our burdens only drains us. But when we give them to Jesus, we find renewal and rest.

Seek God’s Strength in Difficult Relationships

Family gatherings can be a mixed bag. They bring joy, but they can also stir up old wounds, clash personalities, and fuel frustrations. The holidays have a way of magnifying relational challenges. When you’re facing tense dynamics, lean on God for strength.

Psalm 29:11 reminds us, “May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!” (ESV). When you’re walking into a situation that feels emotionally charged, take a moment to pray. Ask God for the strength to guard your tongue, respond with grace, and reflect His love. Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean being a doormat; it means choosing to bring God’s peace into the situation.

Maybe that means stepping back from a heated conversation or asking God for wisdom to navigate tricky dynamics. Whatever it looks like, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Jesus is with you, equipping you to be a light in the midst of relational tension.

Take Heart: Jesus Has Overcome the World

The holidays often magnify our own brokenness—fractured relationships, financial struggles, unmet dreams. But here’s the good news: Jesus has already overcome all of it. In John 16:33, He says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)

This doesn’t mean life will be free from trouble. In fact, Jesus tells us to expect challenges. But it does mean that trouble doesn’t have to define us. His victory over sin and death gives us hope and peace, even when life feels chaotic. Whatever tribulation you’re facing this season, let Jesus’ triumph be your anchor.

Pray Your Way to Peace

Philippians 4:6-7 offers this encouragement: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)

Prayer isn’t just about asking God to fix our circumstances; it’s about surrendering them to Him. When you feel overwhelmed, stop and pray. Even a simple, “Lord, I need your peace right now,” can make a world of difference. Prayer connects us to the One who holds all things together and reminds us that we don’t have to carry the weight of the season alone.

Practical Steps to Anchor Yourself in Peace

If you’re looking for tangible ways to cultivate peace this season, here are a few ideas:

Create a Daily Quiet Time: Start each day with Scripture and prayer. Ground yourself in God’s promises before the chaos of the day begins. Even ten minutes can make a big difference.
Set Realistic Expectations: The holidays often tempt us to overcommit. Take a step back and prioritize what truly matters. It’s okay to say no to some invitations or scale back on gift-giving.
Practice Gratitude: Keep a journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s stressful to what’s good.
Lean Into Community: Don’t isolate yourself. Spend time with people who encourage you and point you back to Jesus.
Pause and Breathe: When stress starts to build, take a moment to pause. Breathe deeply, pray, and recenter your heart on God’s peace.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time of chaos and stress. With Jesus at the center, it can be a season of peace, hope, and joy—no matter what challenges come your way. So take a deep breath, turn to Him, and let His peace fill your heart.