Maybe you've noticed that Jesus can get a little hard to find this time of year. He's not sneaky, not hiding out watching out for who's naughty or nice. It's just the nature of God to back off when people don't have time for him.

I can tell you with a fair amount of certainty that the more one of us worships at the altar of Wal-Mart, Target, Macy's or the like, the less likely that we will find Christ's peace.

Several years ago, I started to notice how many people really hate the holiday season. Anxiety levels soar as people think about giving good enough gifts and spending time tolerating fussy family members reminding them of their imperfections. Suicides (a sure sign somebody feels hopeless) are highest during the season that celebrates the Prince of Hope.

Man, I hate that statistic. Hate it with all that's in me.

If you have trouble finding peace at Christmas, don't go shopping. Don't try to be better. Don't try to control things or get somebody's approval. Take a break instead. Sit quietly and reflect on te goodness of God, and the real meaning of Christ. This is the season we celebrate that God came near.Follow the Star. (http://www.d365.org/todaysdevotion)