Peace on Earth, Peace in My Controlling Heart

The angels announced the coming of Christ to the shepherds:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”

Christmas lyrics echo the cry of the angels:

In despair, I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

And here I sit, and perhaps there you sit?, with plans, and gift wrapping, and my desire for control. But a deeper truth rings out in my heart:

“Hate” isn’t the only thing that mocks the song of peace on earth. “Control” does, too.

This week, as you make, carry out, and reflect on the plans you’ve made, consider:

• Is my desire for control keeping me from real relational connection with the people that matter most to me?
• Is my desire for control making special days MISERABLE for the people around me?
• Is my desire for control keeping me locked up, greedily clutching my goals and my kingdom?
• Is my desire for control really a desire to exalt ME on the throne of EXCELLENCE?
• Is my desire for control a way I try to give myself joy and peace, rather than resting in the joy and peace that God has already provided for me?

In the midst of the wrappings and Christmas breakfasts and travels and playing of games and making of sweets, ask yourself what you’re really desiring…

Because, I see this in my life– often, our desire for control LOOKS good on the outside. It looks like a desire for everything to go well. It looks so innocent and benevolent. But it’s really a grasping for things to go *my* way… for things to happen in such a way as to reflect well on *me*… for people to bend to the way *I* have pre-pictured the whole she-bang.

If you’re like me, and you combat this ruling desire to rule everything around you, please join me in letting go of control this Christmas.

As we go through the week, let’s put a target on our controlling nature and yield instead to the peace of Christ, letting it rule and reign in our hearts even through the busiest, most stressful days of the year.

• Whether things go the way we want them to or not,
• Even if Christmas breakfast, lunch, dinner, and treats are all a big FLOP,
• If we don’t get the perfect photo,
• When children squabble and fight just seconds after receiving the gift you splurged on,
• No matter what…

“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

From our home to yours, this Christmas, Sister, GRACE and PEACE to you.