Stress Test

“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

For most Americans, the holidays are times of festive get-togethers with family, friends, neighbors, and even co-workers. We gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts, and around the dinner table to savor a repeat of Thanksgiving’s menu. There are also Yuletide parties and church services to attend, and tacky outdoor light displays to critique. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. 

The flip side of Christmas, however, is the stress that accompanies it.

And that can be more serious than a dinnertime disagreement with your in-laws. The fact is that stress is a life-threatening condition linked to cardiovascular disease, workplace injuries, sleep disturbances, ulcers, and cancer. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports that healthcare expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who endure high levels of stress.

Poor health is a high price to pay for what’s billed as a season of peace and joy. Likewise, it’s unfortunate that the holidays come with such a hefty price tag — and we're not talking about those sky-high MasterCard and VISA bills that will arrive in January. Like the socks and sweaters from a favorite aunt or distant cousin, Christmas-related stress comes in a variety of colors and styles. It might be physical, emotional, or financial. And not only can the holidays strain your bank account, they can also evoke turmoil when they’re a reminder of a broken relationship or the death of a loved one.

The vibrant reds and greens of Christmas are often deep blue for hurting people. Inner peace is absent and hope is in short supply. And that's when God enters the picture.

The Bible tells us that long before the world was formed, our Creator knew our name. He also knew when and where we would be born, what sort of life we would lead, and when we would die. And since we consistently broke his laws and fell short of his standards, he also knew that we'd need someone to save us from the well-deserved consequences of our transgressions. We were powerless to do it ourselves. So, God decided to do it by personally living out the human experience on Earth through his Son, Jesus Christ. He was the long-prophesied Emmanuel: God with us.

Because he lived among sinful mankind in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire, Jesus truly understands the stress of the season — and in ways we might never consider. Leading up to that first Christmas when Jesus was born among a stable-full of less-than-cleanly farm animals, Joseph and Mary (his earthly parents) were quite familiar with the condition. They had experienced emotional stress from the scandalous rumors swirling around her pregnancy. They had endured physical stress from the grueling trip to Bethlehem mandated by the Roman census. And with money in short supply, financial stress was always abundant.

But because he personally experienced it all, Jesus really does relate to us, whether it's December 25 or any other day of the year. What's more, he's promised his followers — that's you and me — that he'll never leave them or forget them. So, while the holidays may be stressful, it's through our Savior that we can always find peace of mind. May we never forget this reassuring passage from the book of Isaiah: 

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace — in peace because they trust in you.