Embracing Rest in a Busy Christmas Season
Pastoral | December 12, 2024 | By: Joel Thompson
The Christmas season brings with it a unique kind of joy—but also a unique kind of chaos. Between decorating, shopping, planning family gatherings, and attending parties, it can start to feel like we’re on a never-ending treadmill of “holiday cheer.” The truth is, much of what we do in December is meant to be fun, but it can easily turn into stress. And in the rush to make the holidays “perfect,” we may miss out on the gift of rest that Jesus came to give.
The Call to Rest
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us into rest: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This invitation speaks deeply to a culture that often glorifies busyness, and it’s especially relevant during Christmas. While we may feel pressure to attend every event, buy every gift, and decorate every corner of our home, Jesus calls us to step away from the frenzy and into His peace.
Rest, in this sense, isn’t just about physical stillness—it’s about a deep, soul-level peace. It’s about setting aside our efforts to “do it all” and instead drawing near to Jesus, who has already done everything for us. The beauty of the Christmas story is that God came to be with us, to shoulder our burdens and to give us peace. In the midst of December’s demands, Jesus calls us to experience this peace and to let go of anything that distracts us from it.
A Countercultural Christmas
The world’s approach to Christmas is often about consumption, performance, and perfectionism. We’re encouraged to buy more, do more, and be more to make the season “worth it.” But what if we took a countercultural approach—one that embraces simplicity, slowness, and presence?
Instead of filling every moment with activity, we could carve out moments of quiet. Instead of seeking joy in material things, we could seek it in God’s presence. And instead of spreading ourselves thin trying to meet every demand, we could prioritize the relationships and moments that truly matter.
The gift of rest is countercultural because it invites us to stop striving and start receiving. When we embrace rest, we open ourselves up to God’s presence in a way that the world’s hustle never will. We create space to encounter Him in our daily lives, and this encounter can shape how we live, love, and celebrate.
The Gift of Presence
Christmas is, at its heart, about God’s presence with us. Jesus, Emmanuel, “God with us,” came into the world to be close to us, to live with us, and to show us God’s love firsthand. In the same way, when we make room for rest, we make room to be present—with our families, our neighbors, and even with ourselves.
By slowing down, we allow ourselves to experience true connection with the people we love. Instead of rushing through conversations or trying to squeeze people into our busy schedules, we can give them our full attention. This is a gift the world rarely gives but that reflects the heart of God, who is fully present with each of us.
As we rest, we also become more aware of the people around us who might be in need of encouragement, hope, or a simple act of kindness. Maybe it’s a neighbor who needs a friend or a family member who needs a listening ear. By stepping back from the holiday rush, we free ourselves to be available to others.
Living Out Restful Presence This Christmas
So, what does a restful Christmas look like in practice? Here are a few ideas:
Take time for quiet reflection: Set aside a few minutes each day to pray, read Scripture, or simply sit in silence with God. Use this time to refocus and invite Jesus’ peace into your day.
Create intentional family moments: Choose simple traditions that allow you to be fully present with your family, like baking cookies together, reading the Christmas story, or going on a slow evening walk to look at Christmas lights.
Embrace simplicity: Instead of packing your schedule with events, consider which gatherings are meaningful to you and your family and let go of the rest. Choose to focus on quality over quantity.
Find joy in the ordinary: As you go about everyday tasks, remember that Jesus came into the world in a humble, ordinary setting. Joy can be found in the little things—quiet moments at home, simple meals with loved ones, or acts of kindness to those in need.
This Christmas, I invite you to embrace rest as a way to encounter God’s peace and love. When we let go of our busyness and make space for Him, we receive a peace that transcends understanding—a peace the world can’t offer but desperately needs.
As we slow down, we’ll find ourselves more present to the people God has placed around us. We’ll be more attuned to what He wants to do in our hearts and more available to share His love with others. So, let’s make this season about presence and embrace the rest that God has promised to all who come to Him.
Joel Thompson
SBC Pastor
Advent is a season to spiritually prepare for Christmas, and you’re invited to engage with the meaning behind the Advent candles as we explore the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love in our Sunday message series this December.
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