A Troubled Heart 

   “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”  (John 14: 27) 

   A troubled heart is one of the biggest roadblocks to the spiritual life.  If we allow ourselves to be troubled, to be overwhelmed by worldly matters and concerns we leave no room for the peace which Jesus promises us.

   Even in this Christmas season people fret and worry over things that matter very little.  Their concern is which toys to buy for their children, what to give a spouse or mother or father.  The menu for the Christmas meal becomes far more important than it should.  A time that should be filled with joy and spirituality becomes just another time of frustration and distress.

   The woes of this world will never cease, not even for Christmas.  It is up to us to put them in perspective and realize that our soul is where our priority should lie.  A turkey properly roasted and carved will not determine our place in eternal life.  The perfect gifts, given and received will not open the gates to heaven.  A soul full of humility, seeking God in all things should be our concern, recognizing that all in this world will end but eternity is forever.

   The greatest gift of all was born in a stable and placed in a manger.  There were no feasts or parties to celebrate His birth.  The only presents given were from foreigners from a land far away.  Prophetic gifts of gold, to symbolize His Kingship, frankincense as a symbol of His deity, and myrrh, an embalming oil as symbol of His death.  Only the angels sang in celebration of His birth.

   Christmas is a time to reflect on our Savior and our relationship to Him.  To let the worries of this world be ignored, if only for a while.  It is a time to not allow our heart to be troubled, but to rejoice in His birth.  How wonderful it could be if we could only keep the peace Christ brings throughout the year rather than for just a few days. 

Lord, You give peace.

Worldly concerns rob us of it.

Open our heart to Your love.

Fill us with the peace of God. 

Amen