I remember freaking out when it became clear that the pandemic was going to impact Easter. If you would have told me it was going to impact Christmas as well, I think I would have lost all hope! Yet, here we are, nine months into a global pandemic and I find myself hopeful. Not just because vaccines are rolling out but because everything we celebrate at Christmas is true.

The Son of God stepped into a dark and broken world to offer light and life.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

John 1:4-5 (CSB)

Everything our souls are longing for is found in this Child of Christmas, this One who makes the angels sing. On that first Christmas, a multitude of angels sang a song that I find myself praying over my family, our church, and you this Christmas.

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!

Luke 2:14 (CSB)

I pray we will find the freedom and joy of self-forgetfulness. I pray we will taste the grace that enables us to relax, to stop taking everything so personally, to recover a bit of civility, and to trust that God is still at work in the world. When we realize that our lives are about God and His glory, everything else seems to fall into place.

And I pray you find peace. Maybe that means a few days of freedom from email and cable news. Maybe that means time to rest and set aside the anxiety and uncertainty we’re all facing in this season. Ultimately, I pray that means the peace that comes from knowing that in Christ God has done everything necessary for our salvation.

At the end of the day, glory and peace are two sides of the same coin. The more we live for God’s glory, the more our souls find peace.

Merry Christmas, friends.