A Christmas carol says that it is the most wonderful time of the year. The adults will say that indeed for Children, it is. They are the happiest, the most excited, and the ones who enjoy the most. However, what about the adults with all the concerns and challenges of daily life? How many of us deal with fear, worry, anxiety, and even depression? How can it be the most wonderful time of the year?

My dear friends, it is very important to remember that during the first Christmas, Israel was anxious. It was undergoing great difficulty. They were waiting for the Messiah to end all hardships. That is why when the angels showed up to the Messiah, he proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth.”

Peace is something all of us are looking for. The Jews were looking for it during the time of Jesus and now more than ever, we are looking for it. How can the story of Christmas give us peace?

• First, the Christmas story reminds us that God is faithful. Remember when Adam and Eve sinned, the very first promise was the Messiah. God never forgot the promise. In fact, St. Matthew listed the family of Jesus to show God’s faithfulness throughout time:
  • 14 Generations from Abraham to David
  • 14 Generations from David to Babylonian exile
  • 14 Generations from Babylonian exile to Joseph.
    The first source of peace is that God never forgets his promises. It is just that his time and wisdom are different from ours.

• Second, the Christmas story is about God’s providence. God gave us what is most precious to Him, His only Son. With this reality, what is there for God not to give? If it is according to his plan and will, he will definitely provide.

• Third, the Christmas story is about God being trusted. God altered the lives of many people. Mary was supposed to get married to Joseph but the angel Gabriel said you will bear a son. Joseph was about to get married to Mary and he found her pregnant. Zechariah became mute because he did not believe the Angel Gabriel. Elizabeth was old and barren and suddenly became a mother. These were fearful changes yet they knew God had a plan and could be trusted.

“Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth.” The Christmas message reminds us that true peace is not the absence of all the chaos, of all the fears and anxiety, of all the wars. It is knowing that whatever happens, God is faithful, God will provide, and God can be trusted.