Proud to Be UMC? A Video Series of What it Means to Be United Methodists.

Exchange Anxiety for Peace: A Transformative Gift In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by anxiety. From global conflicts to personal challenges, the weight of worry can seem unbearable. But what if there were a way to exchange that anxiety for something infinitely more valuable—God’s peace? The Gift Exchange That Transforms As the holiday season approaches, many of us get caught up in the frenzy of gift-giving—making lists, shopping, and stressing over finding the "perfect" presents. Amid this whirlwind, let’s consider a different kind of exchange—one that doesn’t involve material goods but transforms our hearts. The world gives us its own “gifts,” but often these come as sorrow, fear, and darkness. These unwanted burdens can leave us feeling heavy and discouraged. Thankfully, God offers a divine exchange: trading our worries for His gifts of hope, peace, joy, love, and light. These are not temporary fixes—they are life-changing treasures. Jesus’ Promise of Peace Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” These words are more than comforting—they’re an invitation to trust in a peace that transcends understanding. Say them aloud: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” There’s a soothing rhythm in these words that quiets our hearts. This peace is more than a feeling of calm. It transforms our thoughts, actions, and even the world around us. It’s a peace that calls us to be active participants in God’s vision. Becoming Peacemakers The peace Jesus offers isn’t passive. It’s a call to action: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” True peace requires more than internal calm—it demands reconciliation, love for our neighbors (and enemies), and a commitment to seek justice. Our world desperately needs this kind of peace. News of war, violence, and injustice reminds us that as long as such realities exist, we cannot claim to have fully realized peace. Yet, this does not mean we should lose hope. Instead, hope propels us forward, helping us live in the tension between our current reality and the promised peace of God’s kingdom. Living the Divine Exchange How do we begin this exchange of anxiety for peace? It starts with turning to God. When worry threatens to overwhelm us, we can lean on Jesus’ words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not let them be afraid.” This peace is more than a personal escape from stress. It transforms how we live, love, and interact with others. It enables us to love ourselves, embrace our neighbors, and even extend grace to our enemies. Through this transformation, we become true children of God—peacemakers in a world hungry for hope. A Daily Challenge As we journey through this season and beyond, let’s challenge ourselves to make this exchange every day: When anxiety knocks, trade it for peace. When fear takes hold, exchange it for hope. When darkness creeps in, replace it with God’s light. This exchange isn’t always easy. It takes faith, practice, and perseverance. But the rewards are profound. Living in God’s peace allows us to share that peace with others, becoming beacons of hope and healing in a broken world. Reflecting the Prince of Peace Whatever weighs on your heart today, bring it to God. Offer it up in exchange for His peace. Then, empowered by that peace, step into the world as a peacemaker. In doing so, you reflect God’s love and bring His transformative peace to those around you. The Prince of Peace is always with us, ready to help us make this exchange. In His strength, we can trade anxiety for peace, fear for love, and darkness for light. This is the ultimate gift exchange—one that not only transforms us but also the world we touch. Are you ready to make the exchange today?

Explore four Christmas traditions to start this year, including reading the story of Jesus' birth, giving gifts with a deeper meaning, engaging in unique and fun family activities, and attending a Christmas service together. These traditions will reinforce your family's faith, provide a strong sense of security and belonging, and emphasize the true purpose of the holiday season.