Have you been to the mall lately? Or retail shopping?

Last Saturday, I went to the mall with my family. I love showing my kiddos the big, beautiful Christmas tree in the center of the mall. And, of course, Santa is already there – even though the calendar has not yet been turned to “December.”

Anna Grace and I hung out in Pottery Barn {taking goofy pics like this one} while the guys went to the Apple store.

I love seeing the festivities of the mall and all the store’s decorations. So many of the store displays had somethings about “giving” and “surprising” that special someone with the perfect gift. Some stores advertise tastefully while I felt like others were just shouting, “BUY! BUY! BUY!!!”

The next morning, I was spending a few moments in my Bible before the kiddos woke up and I happened upon this verse from John 14.

Not as the world gives?

My mind was instantly filled with the many examples of “gift-giving” I had seen at the mall. In what way does Jesus give that is different from the world?

Here are a few things that came to my mind…

The gifts Jesus gives:
never run out of batteries.
do not rust.
are never replaced by a newer model.
are one-size-fits-all.
do not break.
are needed.
never shrink.
cannot be misplaced.
last forever.
are perfect. 

 This verse specifically mentions the gift of peace. Is peace ruling in your heart right now?

It will be as long as you’re keeping your heart focused on Jesus.

You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3

 This Christmas season,
let the perfect peace of God rule your heart.