Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!<\/em> Luke 2:14<\/p>\n Why is it this time of year seems to cause armfuls of stress?<\/p>\n Anyone else feel the pressure to buy everyone and their dog the perfect gift?<\/p>\n Anyone else feel pressured to provide all things to all people, creating perfect Christmas card memories?<\/p>\n And why is that?<\/p>\n Keeping up with the neighbors. Our friends. The entire world. <\/p>\n Expectations of ourselves, others, and the day.<\/p>\n What\u2019s interesting is Jesus\u2019 birth was so not complicated.<\/p>\n Mary and Joseph did not make the perfect reservation weeks in advance for the best room.<\/p>\n The angels did not record their songs, capturing the perfect moment for their social media.<\/p>\n The shepherds did not rehearse their reaction for perfect timing, nor did they have a Christmas outfit to celebrate the new King.<\/p>\n Everything just happened.<\/p>\n Mary and Joseph found what they could.<\/p>\n The angels broke out in song when they could no longer hold back.<\/p>\n The shepherds simply ran to the manger, wearing what they had on at the time.<\/p>\n And Jesus came amid it all.<\/p>\n Peace on earth is more than a silent night.<\/p>\n Peace on earth begins in your heart, surrendered to God and God alone.<\/p>\n When your heart is His, nothing else matters.<\/p>\n His peace can reign within, no matter what else churns around you.<\/p>\n Do the Christmas things. Have fun while you\u2019re at it.<\/p>\n But keep God\u2019s peace above all else.<\/p>\n Because nothing else matters, but Him.<\/p>\n Photos by\u00a0Deep Doshi<\/a>,\u00a0Raymond Petrik<\/a>,\u00a0Tj Holowaychuk<\/a>, &\u00a0Greyson Joralemon<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/amylinnea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/greyson-joralemon-ddvr7ed6pf8-unsplash.jpg\")
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