Crying at Christmas?

Life is hard. 

It doesn't get any easier at Christmas---maybe even harder.

Stress doesn't disappear; it often intensifies.

Finances don't increase; they typically get stretched thinner.

Rest doesn't abound; usually a rat-race of visits ensues.

For those who are alone and lonely, 

Christmas seems to be a magnifying glass to the loneliness.

Are you stretched to the limit and beyond?

Do you ache because you cannot afford to give the gifts you long to give?

Do the special things you try to give and even make seem to fall short?

Are you wrestling with emotions and unrest?

Stop.

Remember.

The Prince of Peace is Immanuel, God with us---God with YOU.  

Right now, today, our Savior who came

on the inaugural Christmas so many years ago

is our living, reigning King of Grace and Prince of Peace.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. ~ Isaiah 7:14

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. ~ Isaiah 9:6-7

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 

~ Luke 2:8-20

Do you need peace today?

Come to the Prince of Peace today---now.  

Give Him your uneasiness and unrest.  

He has gifts of peace, rest, and joy to give you in return.  

Immanuel is here.