The Centerpiece
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Paul is telling us in the book of Philippians to not get anxious about anything, but find peace in Him. It is easier said than done. Especially as we are approaching the busy season of Advent and Christmas. We lose the focus on the things that are truly important. We stress over the perfect set dinner table, the perfect gift for a loved one or friend.
When I look back at my childhood, things seemed more peaceful then they are today. I don’t know if I see it through different eyes? Are our lives more busy today? My mom was always prepared for the Advent season. She had everything planned out. Every year went like clockwork. She started to buy her Christmas presents right after my birthday in September. We started to bake Christmas cookies at the beginning of November. We even made our Advent wreath at home. Advent was a peaceful time when I grew I up. I don’t know where I went wrong? I always buy my gifts last minute, I don’t bake my Christmas cookies, and I purchase a store-made Advent wreath.
This year, I will do things differently. I was glad when I found the wonderful family devotion called “The Glorious Coming”, written by Ann Voskamp. You see, my mom’s secret was that it was not about her or gift-giving or setting the perfect dinner table. It was about peace. A peace that only can come from Him. Finally, after many years of failure, I see where I went wrong. I didn’t start with the Centerpiece of Advent – I put Him at the end. I suppose it is never too late to make changes. And maybe I can figure out how to make my own Advent wreath this year…
As you are moving through the Advent season this year, try to put the Centerpiece at the beginning of each day. Find peace in Him. I can’t promise you that your days will be less busy, but I know that your days will be more peaceful.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. We ask you this morning to make your presence know among us. Lord give us Your peace this season of Advent. Help us to make You our Centerpiece. We pray this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
This is lovely Iris. Our household during the advent season, and any holiday, was full of chaos and discontent, so I too am attempting to keep Christ as the center and create a more peaceful, Christ focused household for our family.
This is beautiful and soooo true. I need to go buy one.
Oh wow, I needed to hear that just before Dec 1. Peace! Who would have guessed….I’m such a crazy nut case at the holidays many times. I am settling down a bit more as I get older and setting aside the busy for the important. Thanks for the timely reminder Iris!
Christie
It has been years…well to be honest, decades, since there has been an Advent wreath in my home. But this year….it will be different.
Great post…I am putting advent on the top of our list this year.
A good word! I really need it today. Mondays are my weekly planning day, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed with everything I need to accomplish for the week. It’s nice to stop by here for a moment of refreshment! What a beautiful wreath. (My wreath is on the front door!) I love Advent candles too.
Hi Iris! It’s funny. I just finished tucking in my girls and made sure my husband was situated (he’s contentedly snoring on the couch downstairs.) Then I sat down to write my blog. An idea had been brewing in my head all day- something about peace. At the last minute, I decided to treat myself to reading Laced With Grace before I got to work. So, what do you know? Peace. Guess that’s what He wants us thinking on today:) I love the idea of Christ being the centerpiece around which we all gather. God bless!
oh I can so relate to this at the moment, I’ve been worrying for so long about my marriage, kids, life in general. God bopped me on the head and reigned me in so to speak. I should be giving my issues to him not focussing on them so much.
And, peace sometimes asks us to do hard work. It may not feel “peaceful” as we search for its true meaning…
I like the idea of the wreath. We do this at our church, but I hadn’t considered doing it at home. I guess I don’t even really know how to do it. I guess, also, if I never try, then my kids will grow up with the same lack of tradition. Hmmm…
Oh Iris,
I want ot meet your mother….
Help us to make You our Centerpiece.– This is also my desire this busy season. Be blessed my sister!!
Catching up on these posts>>>>
What a BEAUTIFUL post, thank you ever so much. I really needed this today!
Oh yes – I can relate to you on this! I am so never organized and ready! I am late and rushed – and not only do I not MAKE an advent wreath – I have never thought of having one at home!
Thank you for a beautiful post!