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A Challenge To Find Joy And Peace This Holiday Season

Don’t get so caught up in fear, that you can’t move forward

Sophia Chica
Nov 23, 2016
Influencers of Oregon
A Challenge To Find Joy And Peace This Holiday Season
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Fellow readers,

First and most importantly, happy thanksgiving. This season I have much to be thankful for, but one thing I would like to share is the positive feedback that I have received from so many of you on the content that I have written. So thank you all for your words of encouragement.

Secondly, today I would like to challenge my fellow brothers and sister in Christ. Unlike most, I am not going to list all of the things that I am thankful for, I am not going to tell you to find the true meaning of the holiday season, and I am not going to tell you to feed the homeless or serve the poor—but by all means, please do all of these things! But what I am going to challenge you with is this: Find joy and peace this season, despite the current changes in our nation, and the evil that is in this world.

Don’t get so caught up in fear, that you can’t move forward. Don’t get caught up in sadness, so much so, that you forget to enjoy the company of those dearest to you. Don’t get caught up in hate, to the point that you lose respect for others. Don’t get caught up in your ignorance and self-righteousness, that you deny others your love and admiration. All people should be loved, despite their beliefs, their faith, their actions, and their words. Not because all people are deserving, rather, we are all un deserving, but are called to love. God commands us to love. God doesn’t say: “Love only those who believe in God” or “Love those who love you,” but God tells us this:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends, (John 15: 12-13).

God loves us greatly, so we should strive to love others that way He has shown His love to us.

Find peace this season recognizing Gods love, and knowing that this is not our home. Find joy knowing that God is our friend who brings us comfort, even after a chaotic election. During this season, be thankful for the freedom you have to find joy and peace in Gods promises, His word, and His truths. And share all of these with those around you.

For those who haven’t made the decision to follow after God, my hope is that you would see God for who he truly is— your father, and savior—I hope that you would see a faith, rather a foolish religion, I pray that you find hope in a relationship with God. Lastly, my hope is that you would be blessed this holiday season with love, joy, and peace.

My friends, my family, and all of those who find themselves reading this article, my hope is that you all find peace in these upcoming weeks, and joy in Gods grace.

Blessing upon blessings,

Sophia

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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