He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 NIV 

Life moves quickly from one moment to the next and we're not always ready to embrace the season of joy. We become busy in holiday routines and forget where to find perfect peace. But, God readies us for calm. He leads us to the manger. And, when we have been humbled by His offering of love, He shows us how to prepare for Christmas. 

Now, more than ever we need to remember Christmas is more than the gifts we tie with a bow. God wraps the love of our Savior and offers us the present of His presence. He places HOPE where it is found and allows us to consider His will for our lives. 

Jesus brought light to the darkness. Calm came when He was delivered to the world and held by the strength of our Father. We can put our HOPE in Him and patiently wait to feel the strength of His peace, when we've opened our hearts and learned to be still. 

If we reflect on the “reason for the season”, God will bless us. He will help us find content for today and strength for tomorrow. He will remind us why peace will come from the Savior, when we open the offering of His love and gratefully store it forever. 

Dear God, Thank you for moments to be reminded why we must slow down, so we will experience the presence of Your peace and recognize the offering of Your love. Fill us with strength for today and HOPE for tomorrow as we wait to welcome Jesus and open our hearts to the greatest GIFT of Your Son.