"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)

Christmas has always been a time for celebration and joy for our family. However, a few years ago we were consumed by grief over our nephew who was a troubled kid. Our sadness threatened to rob the sacred holiday of the usual awe and wonder we felt. I began to pray. “Please, God, don’t let us miss Christmas.”

It is our tradition for family and friends to join us for Christmas dinner. This year was no different. The house was full of those who had come to celebrate.

Our home glittered with lights and tinsel both inside and out. The presents were sorted into piles according to the nametags that were located a top each gift and tucked slightly under the bow. Aromas of holiday foods cooking in the kitchen made our mouths water with anticipation. Outwardly, all seemed right, yet for my family, no celebration or sweet treat could comfort our hearts. Again, I prayed. “Lord, please don’t let us miss Christmas.”

As the evening drew to a close Cody, a friend of our son, put on his coat. “Merry Christmas,” he said, waving bye with his hand high in the air.

Cody had joined the Marines and was due to report after graduation. He fiddled with his jacket as if he was hesitating. “Are you excited about the Marines?” I asked.

“I wish I had never joined. I’m told the only way to get out of it is not to graduate. So I’m not going to finish school,” Cody said as he shuffled his feet back and forth.

I sighed and began sharing with Cody what I needed to hear myself. ”Peace comes in impossible situations when we rely on God and trust Him with our future, whatever that may be.”

Stunned, Cody asked. “In order to trust and rely on God, don’t I first have to …what’s the word, ah…get saved?”

“You’ve never placed your trust in Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior?” I asked.

“No, ma'am, I haven’t,” Cody said, shaking his head back and forth.

“Well, we can fix that right now if you’d like,” I replied.

My niece and I escorted Cody into a quiet room where we explained about the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Cody accepted the peace of God, and his countenance changed right in front of our faces!

With excitement, Cody announced to our guests, “Guess what everybody? I just gave my heart and life to Jesus!” Cheers filled the house and the true celebration of Christmas had finally begun! It was a Christmas miracle I’ll never forget.

God had heard my prayer. He hadn’t let us miss Christmas at all. In fact, as we looked to Christ for Cody’s sake, He was birthed anew in all our hearts.

Isn’t that why we celebrate Christmas each year? To refocus on the One who offers hope in this fallen world and fills us with lasting peace. Hope for the hurting, the sick, and the lost. Christmas reminds us to rejoice in the truth that no matter what we face on earth, Jesus has overcome the world! Gazing on Christ helps us to see, if we have Jesus, we have everything we need.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the Savior of the world who brings peace all year long. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Additional Resources:

Do you know Him?

Micca Campbell’s Testimony on DVD



Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes

Application Steps:

To receive God’s peace, visit our “Do you know Him?” section of our website and invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.

Reflection Points:

Do you let the pressure of buying gifts and sending cards rob you of the true joy of Christmas?

Are you focused on what you need to give others instead of focusing on what Christ wants you give you this season?

How can you make Christ the main focus of your celebration?

Regardless of your circumstances, don’t miss Christmas. Ask God to give you a fresh encounter with the Prince of Peace this year.

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Power Verses:

Isaiah 9:6, “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.” (NIV)

Luke 2:11, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (NIV)

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

John 1:29, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (NIV)