How to follow the map to peace

Luke 3:1-6 CEB
In the fifteenth year of the rule of the emperor Tiberius—when Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea and Herod was ruler over Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler over Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was ruler over Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—God’s word came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. John went throughout the region of the Jordan River, calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. This is just as it was written in the scroll of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
A voice crying out in the wilderness:
    “Prepare the way for the Lord;
        make his paths straight.
 Every valley will be filled,
    and every mountain and hill will be leveled.
The crooked will be made straight
    and the rough places made smooth.
 All humanity will see God’s salvation.”

Peace

I decided this Black Friday (but we may as well call it Black Thanksgiving seeing as it took place on Thursday) I was going to get some of those deals Walmart was advertising. For good measure I arrived at 7:15pm for an 8:00pm deal. Apparently the wait for some began much earlier for the parking lot was nearly full and there were people huddled over sections waiting for the magic hour to strike. 
When 8pm came there was screaming and grabbing, pushing and shoving, but very little peace and good will. 
Yet, peace is what I would like to talk about today. When we struggle to keep the check book in check. When we push each other to get that must have item for 50 percent below retail. When getting along with our family is a test of our will power. It is at those times we need to seek peace. 
The birth of Jesus did not come with sales, Christmas trees or a holiday ham. Yes, those things can add spice to our season,  but it must not distract us. The road to peace is about preparing. What are you preparing for this season? Are you preparing for a Christmas extravaganza? Or, are you preparing to worship the new born Christ Child? Sometimes those Christmas Extravaganzas can leave us feeling more anxious than loving. If we cannot get rid of our Christmas fears and anxiety and make room for peace, how in the world will we have any room for the joy Christmas brings? The answer is, we won't. I suggest if Christmas is going to bring more worry than relaxation, find what is worrying you and let it go. Make room for peace.
I hope you find peace this Christmas season. God bless!

---