Skip to main content

The Gift of Peace

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…” (John 14:27) 

 

One of the best gifts we can offer is the gift of PEACE to those we love. While Christmas is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the peace of God with our family and friends and to create lasting memories, sometimes in the world around us, within families, and even in our own minds, peace is hard to find. Most of us are dealing with a complex layer of stressors every day, and often these are magnified during the Christmas season. Interactions with family, managing expectations, coping with loss, or the general energy at the holidays can sometimes leave us feeling stressed or overwhelmed.  

 

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:15) 

 

It is important to remember that PEACE starts within us. We must first give ourselves the gift inner peace – a deliberate state of psychological or spiritual calm despite the presence of stressors. Particularly in the midst of stressful times, when we pause and take a moment to breathe, we create space to think clearly and regain our composure so we can stay focused on things we can control (ourselves!) and release what is out of our control (i.e,. the pressures of the season, expectations of others, etc.).  Embracing peace in our own hearts and minds helps us find balance and allows us to share the God’s gift of peace with others in our life.  

 

Giving the gift of peace – to ourselves, to others, to anyone – is a deliberate practice. Today’s Wellness Wednesday provides tips to find and maintain peace in our hearts and homes this Christmas season.  

 

Try this:  

As a group, class, or family:  

  • Read through the following tips and suggestions.  
  1.  
  2. Take a break. You know yourself best so when you need a break, take one. Winter is the season of rest. On the medicine wheel, winter is in the North. We were meant to retreat and unwind this month. Psalm 49:3 says, “My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding”. Spend some time in prayer, meditating on God’s word, breathing, listening to a guided meditation which uses imagery to create a peaceful state, or just being still and quiet.  
  3.  
  1. Spend time in nature. Nature can be very grounding and calming. It heals, soothes, and restores us. Go outside and get some fresh air.  Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including empathy and cooperation.  
  2.  
  1. Move your body. Exercise is a great way to move your body but it isn’t the only way. For example, you can move your body through stretching, dance, progressive muscle relaxation, and walking.  
  2.  
  1. Focus your attention on the small things. Noticing and being grateful for the small things has a lasting impact. Find simple ways to delight in the details that of the season that matter to you. Devote your time and energy to embracing the little things this holiday season like how the sun makes the snow sparkle or the excitement of children.  
  2.  
  1. Be present. The most important gifts we can give are love, attention, and presence. The apostle Paul reminds Christians that they’re called to be mindful and live with an awareness of the present moment. (Philippians 2:1-5). Leave your device in another room and be focused on the time you spend and the conversations you have with loved ones. Show up for the moments in your life and lead by example for others around you.  
  2.  
  1. Manage expectations, limits, and boundaries. Try to let go of the idea that Christmas needs to be magical or perfect. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Take a moment to check-in with yourself so you stay true to the things that matter to YOU this holiday season.  Gifts, decorations, food, time… there is so much going on at Christmas. It is OK to set limits, have clear boundaries, and most importantly, say no.  
  2.  
  1. Create your own traditions. For many of us, there is a nostalgia, a sense of “home” at Christmas for what we experienced or hoped to experience. Identify what “home” means for you (i.e., a place, an activity, an experience, etc.) and give yourself the gift including that in your holiday plans. Redesign the holidays to add traditions that matter to you. Maybe you want to travel less or have less stuff. Perhaps you’ll try a new recipe, listen to a favourite hymn, or share memorable moments from a past Christmas event.  
  2.  
  1. Feel and accept your emotions. As much as you may want an instant holiday cheer, it isn’t always a reality. Acknowledge your feelings and let them pass.  
  2.  
  1. Boost your mood. Sing. Dance. Laugh. Spread Christmas cheer. Do a good deed or act of kindness. Boosting our mood helps us to feel good inside and also makes the world a little brighter and friendlier. If you need some help, check out this video of a baby laughing: https://youtu.be/RP4abiHdQpc.  
  2.  
  1. Extend grace. Frustration can quickly escalate this time of year. Find ways to be patient and kind in your interactions with others (and yourself!).  Remember the reason for the season. It’s easy to get swept up in the hype of the Christmas season but our friendships and relationships will carry far beyond any holiday. Stay present, put your device down, and make memories together. Time is all we have.  
  •  
  • When you are done reading through the tips, talk about information.
  •  
  • Use these conversation starters to open the discussion:  
  1. Sometimes our peace can be impacted by some of our own beliefs, actions, or assumptions. In what ways do you think your own thoughts impact your peace?  
  1. What is one change you could make to manage your own expectations this Christmas?  
  1. Can you think of an example of how to incorporate one of these tips into your own life?  

 

Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer: 

What is something that I can change this holiday, with people in my household, to give the gift of peace?  

 

Connecting to our faith: 

Let us pray: Encouraging God, provide us with peace and confidence as we bring our prayers to you. May we rejoice in the knowledge that all things are in your hands. Amen 

The fourth Sunday in Advent focuses on PEACE.  

The peace of God is a safeguard for all our hearts, a defense against the worries and cares of the world. In the world around us, peace between nations and peoples can come and go. In families and even in our own minds, peace can be sometimes hard to find. Thankfully our faith reminds us that the basis for peace is joy and trust in God. This Christmas season, we pray especially for peace in our world, a peace that begins with our determination to rejoice.  

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:14) 

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) 

 

Further Learning:  

 

Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell 

 

 

 

We welcome your feedback, click here!