Rest in Jesus

We just finished a robust anniversary of the Reformation. This last week, we spent the week with relatives giving thanks and eating turkey. We now rush into several weeks of planning, shopping and traveling in a long holiday season that finishes with a flurry on New Year’s Day.

         It is all grand and glorious, a gift from God to us, to learn thankfulness, sharing, love, celebration. But it can also be a time where we grump about all the fun. We might have to get back to normal on January 2 just to get some rest.

         But true rest can really only be found in the One who is rest. Jesus is our rest. In Christ, we have perfect peace with God and this is rest for our souls. So, as we rush into the holidays, let us make sure we take time to rest in Jesus.

The Lord’s Day can be a busy day, too. Food with family and guests, prepping meals, going to church. It is work. You might not even rest.  But learn the lesson. This day, we honor God with gratitude for the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. If this peace pervades our souls, then we can even rest in the midst of all the work. Thanks be to God for our peace in Jesus Christ.