And yet, in the midst of a year filled with much hate, division, tragedy and death – the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ are so apparent and real to me. The name Immanuel means "God with us." Psalm 23 says: "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are WITH me." This is why God sent His son Jesus to earth – so that even in our darkest days, we would truly know and experience the hope, peace, joy and love of Immanuel, God with us.

I pray that the peace of Christ takes the throne in my heart, and that every word, action, and thought will then flow through that peace. As long as Christ’s peace dictates my expressions, I can remain calm and confident that God will work through any conflict for my good.