The holidays are such a paradox sometimes. We talk about peace, especially at Christmas. Christmas songs with promises of peace ring out in grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping malls. Yet Christmas may be the least peaceful time of the year. With the many Christmas parties, holiday lunches, gifts to buy, presents to wrap, school programs, and special events, our December calendars are crazy busy. We rush around trying to accomplish everything we need to before the big day gets here, and often we don’t have an ounce of peace as we do it.

The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, prophesied Jesus to be “The Prince of Peace.” This prophetic description brings a promise of peace. God, in his infinite wisdom, knew we would need the promise and reminder of peace in the business of life. Things weren’t so different when Jesus came into this world over two thousand years ago. All the characters in the Christmas story were busy living their lives, going about their business, and frantically doing what needed to be done.

Suddenly, this baby enters their world, turning their world upside down. Famous author C. S. Lewis wrote of that night in Bethlehem, “Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.” This baby would topple kingdoms and change all of history. And somehow, amid all this, we are reminded that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. His entrance into our world brought peace and the promise of peace.

It may not feel like you have peace; in fact, peace may be the thing most out of reach in your life right now. As we get close to Christmas day, remember that Jesus promises His peace. He told His disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Those words that Jesus spoke to His disciples still apply to us today.

Whatever you face this December, God wants to remind you that peace is possible. Not your peace; that’s as impossible as it feels. No, it’s God’s peace that He promises. He wants to give you the peace you long for, both now during this holiday season and all year long. How do we get that peace? By giving Him our problems and letting Him carry our burdens for us. We find these words in the Book of First Peter: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

It feels too simple, too easy—just give all your anxiety to God. There must be more to it than that, right? That’s why we work so hard, strive so hard, and struggle under the weight of the burdens we bear.

This Christmas, Jesus is calling you out. He wants to bring you peace, to be your Prince of Peace. Will you let him? Will you give your burdens to Him this Christmas and let Him carry them for you? When you do, you will truly begin to know God’s peace.

Today: Give your burdens to God and let Him give you peace. Write down the three biggest burdens you are carrying today and give them over to God.