As I was wheeled to my room in the hospital, my eyes brimmed with tears. I knew that I hadn't felt well, but I never guessed that I would be admitted that day with blood clots in my lungs. I passed the big Christmas tree in the middle of the waiting room which earlier I had been admiring, I smiled at the receptionist with the Santa hat on as I flew by, and I noted the whimsical Christmas characters on the scrubs of the nurses, but the Christmas spirit had left me for that moment.

At home, all was Christmas! In my fridge was Christmas dinner with all the fixings, my outfit with Christmas cardinals on the sweater was set aside for the Christmas service at church, and Christmas compact discs were ready to play to give that atmosphere to our gathering. I thought of these things and wondered, as the wheelchair bumped along, if I would even be home for Christmas. But in that moment, I did not ask the Lord for gleaming trees and beautiful music. As fear crept into my soul, I longed for what the angels promised the fearful shepherds that night:

Luke 2:13-14 – Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others — the armies of heaven — praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." (NLT)

I longed for peace! And somehow amidst flashing monitors, hurried nurses, and concerned doctors, God did give me peace — peace to face whatever would come in the next few days.

Philippians 4:6-7 – Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

The doctor let me go home late on Christmas Eve with a new appreciation of how fragile our lives are.

As I sit here in my living room before dawn on this Christmas morning, I am grateful for God's healing touch and for those who prayed for me. But mostly, I am in awe of the One Who gives peace!

Have you experienced God's peace that surpasses all understanding?

Prayer: Glorious Saviour, thank You for giving us peace, as the angels declared that blessed night. Glory to You, our God, in highest heaven. Grant peace on earth today to those with whom You are pleased. Amen.

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About the author:

Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
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