Christmas is a time when we instinctively expect peace, but in reality, we often find it a struggle. At times, family gatherings, Christmas shopping and children on breaks can cause us stress. Mary and Joseph also experience stress at Christmas. They deal with an unexpected pregnancy, an arduous journey, a less-than-ideal birth and a flight for their lives. And yet, they obey God because he gives them peace. They can endure suffering because they trust God’s goodness and so experience his peace.

We can experience peace in the midst of life’s challenges and difficulties if we also learn to trust God’s goodness. If we learn to surrender to God’s will, we may find he delivers us from hardship. Or we may find that he strengthens us to faithfully go through them.

Questions for Discussion

1. Put yourself in Mary and Joseph’s shoes. How do you imagine you would feel if you went through what they did?
2. Can you think of a time when you chose to submit to God’s will in a difficult situation? How did it make you feel?
3. What have you learned to do to find peace in a difficult situation?

More Sermons in this series

1. Hope
2. Love
3. Joy

Find more resources for Advent on the Be In Christ Advent Page.