Encouragement for Today

December 16, 2025 Lord, Please Be My Prince of Peace This Christmas SARAH FREYMUTH Lee en español

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

Our Christmas tree’s been up since Thanksgiving, lit with strings of lights. But only lights. In the midst of unexpected struggle again this Christmastime, we just haven’t had time to adorn the tree with ornaments.

For my family right now, it’s been all we can do to face the pressures of the holiday and our own self-imposed expectations. Where I am this year physically, mentally, and emotionally, I simply cannot keep up with the demands that knock on my door.

What should be a special time of the year has turned sideways, and I’m in desperate need of peace.

But now, nine days before Christmas, I pull up the ornament boxes from the basement and put on a classic Christmas playlist, and my husband and I unwrap the shiny globes, airplanes, and sparkling sleds to place them around the tree. This is a victory. We savor the moment.

Do we need to keep up with the frantic pace of presents, decorations, cookie baking, and parties? Is that what really matters?

God knows when we’re tired. He knows what it takes to go through one more day. He sees. He sustains.

Immanuel, God with us, offers Himself. Do we slow down enough to experience Him? To see the baby Jesus lying in a manger, the weary young mother, the inexperienced father? To see the joy that came to the lowly, the star that shone to share the news?

Behold Jesus taking His first breaths. Rejoice and take heart. The King of the world is here.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

We have been given the greatest gift in the grace of our God through Jesus Christ. Doesn’t the Prince of Peace, present with you and me, sound good right now?

If you’re in a season that’s left you depleted, you can go a little slower this year. God knows where you’ve been and what you’re going through, and His grace, love, and mercy are more than enough right here in the middle of this moment. Walk in the rhythms of Jesus — He wants you to lean into Him and draw comfort for your weary soul. His yoke is easy and burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

Let the Prince of Peace soothe your exhaustion, friend. Immanuel is here.

Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus coming to earth to live among us. Thank You that He knows exactly how hard this life can be and empathizes with us. Please be the Prince of Peace in my heart, mind, and soul, not only this Christmas but all year. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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ENGAGE

You can find more biblical encouragement from Sarah Freymuth and download All Who Are Weary, a free devotional to calm anxiety, at her website. Also catch up with her on Instagram or Facebook.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (ESV).

How does knowing that Jesus sympathizes with us in our weakness give you peace?

Take a moment to be still with the Lord and imagine Him as your Prince of Peace. Invite Him to be your peace today.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Sarah Freymuth. All rights reserved.