Luke’s Gospel records that Jesus’ birth was announced to shepherds by a great company of angels praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”

I’ve posed this title as a question because sometimes Christmas is anything but peaceful.

According to the National Institute of Health, Christmas is when many people experience sustained “blues” and even depression. One North American survey reported that 45% of respondents dreaded the festive season for two main reasons – financial pressures and relational difficulties.

Financial pressures

Some people experience budgetary burdens because they are doing it tough. For others, their wealth woes are self-inflicted.

According to the Salvation Army, Australians are expected to spend $63.9 billion dollars on Christmas this year. And that doesn’t include the Boxing Day. What could we do with that amount of money if it were directed at making a sustained difference in society? End homelessness? Fix the health system? Address the mental health crisis?

Some good things to consider:

• If you don’t have it, don’t spend it.
• If you can’t control your credit card, give it plastic surgery.
• If they don’t need it, don’t give it.
• Consider a gift to a charity on behalf of someone.

The other reason people can dread Christmas is:

Relational difficulties

Christmas can be challenging because we have to spend time with people we haven’t seen for a year (they’re called family).

I wonder how often you’ve been at a family gathering and some drama has erupted? There’s a discussion about a controversial topic like religion or politics. Some negative words are spoken, accusations are made, or some thoughtless questions are asked, and boom! Everything explodes.

We can leave feeling pretty upset about family gatherings, so I’ll share with you a few ways to bring some peace to your world:

1. Come as you are

Take off your mask, and don’t compete or try to be better than anyone else. Relax in who God has created you to be. As theologian Thomas Merton wisely said, “Be yourself; everyone else is taken!”

Remember, you are “remarkably and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14)

You are not broken. You are not awful. You are remarkable and wonderful and that’s what the Bible says about you.

2. Forget the controversy

Avoid things like complaining, disapproval, judging and quarrelling.

Steer clear of intensely personal, too serious, divisive or controversial topics and promote a balanced ebb and flow of discussion in a light-hearted way. The focus is on the moment and being in the moment.

Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Be kind and gentle, ask questions and let things slide.

3. Be a Team Player

Christmas gatherings are we-time, not me-time.

Consider 1 Corinthians 12:14, “the body is not made up of one part but of many.”

See what you can do to contribute without being asked.
Make sure no one gets stuck doing all the work.

When everyone works together in preparing, serving, pouring and conversing, then peace can fully bloom. But everyone has to be a team player.

4. Remember, it’s time-limited

Even if difficult people are present, remember that it’s only for dinner, lunch, or a limited period. So, it’s an opportunity to exercise the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

Q. What fruit will you need this Christmas?

Proverbs 29:11, “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

Proverbs 21:23, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”

A couple of final comments:

Be realistic: “as far as it lies with you, be at peace with all people.” In other words, sometimes it’s just not possible to be at peace with someone so, don’t beat yourself up.

Be wise: If you are in an unbearable or an abusive situation, gracefully make your exit.

Christie and I wish you a peaceful Christmas, and a happy a holy New Year. Much love.