Year after year, our culture promises us happiness—especially at Christmas—and every time we’re left empty and disappointed when the gift has been opened or the experience is over. Yet the peace that God offers is resilient, patient, and able to endure the hardship and chaos of life.

It’s the holiday season, Christmas cheer is everywhere, and if we’re honest, it often feels like a giant conspiracy to bum us out. Impossible expectations, relentless schedules, and a shopping list that just won’t quit, to name a few. Yet in the midst of this chaos, God offers a different message: “Cheer up! I have come to bring you new hope.”

Few things can bring greater blessing than authority used well, and few things can cause greater pain than when it is used poorly. We’ve all experienced both—so how do we handle it? Today we will talk about how we mourn that pain and still submit to authority like Jesus.

“I want it my way.” It’s our default perspective on life, and it’s hardwired into our culture. Bosses, parents, the government—these authorities become an inconvenience at best. Yet God calls us to a different outlook. Today we’re going to talk about how God uses the earthly authorities in our lives to accomplish His plans for our lives.