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For to us a child is born, to us a child is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Silent nights are a beautiful part of the Christmas story but a rare reality in modern life. With a seemingly never ending to do list, not enough time or resources to do it all, the Christmas season can become synonymous with extreme stress. We sing about peace, send cards with sentiments about peace, pray for peace but we do not always experience peace during this season.

Jesus came so we can have true peace, the peace that transcends all understanding. The Savior offers peace but does not force it into our lives; the only thing that stands between us and peace is ourselves.

Obtaining peace is both simple and hard all at the same time. We can not obtain it by ourselves. By coming to Jesus with an open heart, casting our cares onto Him and trusting in Him, we will experience true peace. Although there will be circumstances in our lives that will challenge us, challenge our faith and ultimately challenge our peace, the closer we are to The Lord the more we will experience peace.

Using the analogy of a storm, being with Jesus is like being in the eye of a storm where it is calm. The storm of life may rage around us but with Jesus we can be calm. Sometimes Jesus allows the storm to rage around us. But, He will always calm his children in the storm when we seek Him and turn our hearts to Him.

So if this Christmas becomes stormy, turn to Jesus, and let His gifts radically change your life -- not just your holiday season.

Compliments of Practical Family Living, Inc.

P.O. Box 1676, Appleton, WI 54912 (920) 720-8920

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