Table Church

On Saturday night we focused on the stress that sometimes accompanies our Christmas traditions and expectations. We noted that we are not alone in dealing with the stress of Christmas.  The very first Christmas was very stressful to many of the participants.

Mary and Joseph had angel visits in the middle of the night. They were told that they were going to become parents to God’s son.  Oh yea, did I mention they were not married, yet? And, the couple would have to travel to a strange city; while she was in her ninth month of her pregnancy. There was no place for them to rest on the night of her delivery. The Son of God was born in an animal stall. After awhile in Bethlehem, the family became refugees in Egypt, as they escaped the genocide of King Herod.  I would say that is a lot of stress!

The message that the angels delivered repeatedly to these people was “Fear not.”  Yes, there was going to be a lot of challenges and stress, but fear not, God is in control and he is with you!  Just put your life and faith into his strong and capable hands.

Join the discussion about stress and peace.  Write your thoughts to me. 

• What tends to trigger stress for you at holiday times?
• How do you usually respond to stress?
• Put yourself in the story. How would you have reacted if you had been in Joseph’s shoes? Mary’s?
• What is your reaction to the statement: “You may not be able to change the circumstances, but you can change the way you let stress affect you.”
• What are you going to do this year to reduce your stress and find Christmas peace?