Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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

The “most wonderful time of the year” can usher in anxiety and uneasiness. Here we are reminded to pray and give thanks in every situation, submitting our requests to God. The peace that Christ gives is not the temporary subjective peace that the world offers, but an objective peace. It is a peace that surpasses, it is not determined by our situation or current circumstances. 

Right before this passage, we are reminded that the Lord is near! If we truly truly believe that the Lord is near, perhaps we would be more open to offering prayers and thanksgiving. And turn more understanding of objective peace that is only provided through a relationship with Christ! 

May this time of the year usher in true surpassing peace, belief that the Lord is near! 

Prayer Guide:

1. What does this time of the year usher into our lives? Is it a subjective peace that is fleeting, or an objective peace in Christ Jesus? 
2. Do we truly believe that the Lord is near? How does this view impact our prayers and thanksgiving to the Lord?