Three Gifts We All Need: Peace, Joy, and Patience
The Christmas season has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn't it? One moment we're enjoying fall, and suddenly we're scrambling with decorations, shopping lists, and holiday preparations. Yet amid all the hustle, this season offers us something profound—an opportunity to receive and embrace three essential gifts that God offers us year-round, but that we especially need during this busy time: peace, joy, and patience.
The Gift of Peace
We live in a stress-saturated world. Statistics reveal that 66% of doctor visits are stress-related, and job stress costs the U.S. economy $150 billion annually. Millions of Americans rely on stress medication just to get through their days. We've all had those moments where we feel like we're at the end of our rope, ready to throw in the towel.
Into this stressed-out reality comes an ancient promise: "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
The word "peace" appears 790 times in Scripture—a clear indication of how important this gift is to our lives. But here's the truth: No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.
The world offers a synthetic peace—temporary fixes that promise happiness but deliver emptiness. But the peace that comes from God is different. It's not dependent on circumstances. When we have a relationship with God, we experience peace in knowing that our steps are ordered by Him, that He's leading us through trials to get us to better places, and that we know where we're going when this life is over.
There's wisdom in this simple truth: When we rest, God works. When we work, God rests. As long as we're frantically pushing buttons and pulling levers in our own strength, we exhaust ourselves. But when we rest in God's presence and trust His timing, He moves on our behalf.
Breaking the Ice
Think of it like a marriage going through a cold spell. When there's an "ice storm" in a relationship—when communication breaks down and intimacy disappears—someone has to be willing to break the ice to restore connection. That's exactly what God did for humanity. Sin had created a chasm between us and our Creator, so God broke the ice by sending Jesus. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, demonstrating God's love and making peace possible.
The Apostle Paul understood this when he wrote about having our "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15). Roman soldiers wore shoes with spikes so they wouldn't lose their footing in battle. Similarly, we need to be firmly planted in God's peace, standing our ground when the enemy tries to steal it from us.
The Gift of Joy
When angels appeared to shepherds on that first Christmas night, they declared: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord"(Luke 2:10-11).
Good news and great joy—these are the heartbeat of Christianity. Jesus didn't come just to start a religion or give us a holiday to celebrate. He came to bring heaven to earth, to give us abundant life right here and now. Heaven isn't sad, and God isn't mad. Salvation is meant to make us better, not bitter.
If you're feeling distant from God or stuck in a funk, pray the prayer of Psalm 51:12: "Restore to me the joy of my salvation." Joy is evidence of God's presence in our lives. When we lack joy, it's a warning light on our spiritual dashboard telling us we need to spend time with the One who gives joy.
Happiness vs. Joy
There's a crucial difference between happiness and joy:
Happiness is external—it depends on circumstances, on things "happening" to us
Joy is internal and Christ-based
Happiness is by chance; joy is a choice
We can choose to declare, "This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Mary Christmas, Not Martha Christmas
Remember the story of Mary and Martha? When Jesus visited their home, Martha busied herself with preparations while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. When Martha complained, Jesus gently reminded her that Mary had chosen the good thing.
This Christmas season, don't have a "Martha Christmas"—stressed and distracted. Have a "Mary Christmas"—connected to Jesus.
Think of those inflatable Christmas decorations in people's yards. When they're plugged in, they're bright and full of life. But unplugged, they're just lifeless fabric on the ground. We're the same way. When we stay connected to Jesus—our source—we're filled with His life, joy, and peace.
The Gift of Patience
Aren't you glad God is patient with you? That thought alone can change our perspective when we're tempted to lose patience with others.
The Greek word for patience literally means "slow to boil." Patience means we're slow to anger, slow to react, quick to listen and understand. And here's an important truth: Patience is not punishment; it's preparation. Delays are not denials. What we call wasted time, God often calls growing time.
Proverbs 14:29 reminds us that it's wise to be patient but foolish to be quick-tempered. While there's a supernatural dimension to patience that comes from abiding in Christ, there are also practical steps we can take.
Two Practical Steps
First, decide to control your anger. Stop making excuses. Patience is a choice.
Second, understand the cost of uncontrolled anger. Proverbs 11:29 warns that those who provoke their families to anger will have nothing worthwhile left. When we display anger, we're teaching our children and grandchildren how to treat their own families. Don't let anger become a generational pattern.
Receiving the Gifts
These gifts—peace, joy, and patience—are available to everyone who comes to God. No matter how broken we feel, no matter how much we've messed up, God says, "I'll take you." He specializes in turning trash into treasure and messes into miracles.
This Christmas season, stay plugged into the Source. Spend time in God's presence. Choose joy. Stand firm in peace. Practice patience. These aren't just nice ideas—they're transformative gifts that will change how you experience not just the holidays, but every day of your life.
The greatest gift was already given over 2,000 years ago when God sent His Son. Now He offers you peace, joy, and patience to navigate this beautiful, complicated life. Will you receive them?