In the Christmas story, the shepherds were privileged to be in the presence of angels, one of them letting them know that a Savior had been born in Bethlehem.

Then several more angels appeared and told the shepherds that this Savior would be one who would bring peace.

They presumed, like most people of that day, that the angels were referring to peace that would relieve oppression from the Romans who ruled over them.

What they were really talking about was an inner peace that we can all experience when we open up our lives to the presence of Jesus Christ.

This time of year, when we celebrate the coming of the Savior, ought to remind us of that peace that so many of us desire.

Instead, so many are full of stress, frustration and even depression as we try to fulfill the expectations of others.

We get into traffic that is busier than normal, go into crowded stores, or worry whether the gifts we get someone will make them happy.

We worry about the money we just spent that we didn’t have to spend and how we are going to pay it back.

We stress over not being able to buy the things our loved ones really want.

For many it is hard to say “no” to all the invites to parties etc., so we go and end up suffering burn-out. Shall I go on? I think you get the point by now.

If you are a believer in Jesus, you have access to this peace. And if you are not a believer, you are invited to partake of this peace by asking Jesus into your life.

Listen to the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28- 30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Don’t let this Christmas time be anything but a time of peace for you.

The great news is that we all can experience it.