During the Christmas season, it seems like our calendars get busier than ever. Many of us go, go, go until we can’t wait for our regular schedules to return — just so we can get some rest. We have Christmas parties, Christmas Eve services, school events and family activities galore. All of these are so much fun. Who doesn’t enjoy attending eight different Dirty Santa parties and eating all the party food? Who doesn’t love hanging out with friends and family during the holidays?
But I wonder if all the chaos and full schedules we try to maintain during this season keep us from being well-rested and from taking time to focus on Christ.
Here are a few ways we can slow down during the holidays and focus on Christ:
- Stay in the Word. Often, the holidays throw off our routines, and we stop having consistent quiet times. Keep your morning routine, even if you wake up a little later.
- Schedule time to stop and pray. Set reminders on your phone to pause several times a day and pray.
- Attend a Christmas Eve service, even if your church doesn’t offer one or you’re out of town and miss your usual service. This gives you the chance to pause and reflect on Christ.
- Practice Kingdom generosity. Find a way to give beyond the typical exchange of gifts. Give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, or pray for God to bring a family across your path who needs generosity.
- Sleep. Get some rest. Go to bed at normal times. Take a nap. Do the recreational activities that bring you life — don’t skip them.
- Study a different name of Jesus each day. Reflect on His name and His attributes. Use this to draw your attention back to Christ rather than the hustle and bustle of holiday schedules.
- Use your meals with family as a time of worship. Ask the question, “How have you seen Christ at work during this season?” Let this conversation guide your time at the table and even at your gatherings.
May your Christmas season be filled with peace and joy as you remember Christ our Savior. I’ll leave you with my favorite verse of the season:
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
State Missionary Josh Meadows serves as student ministry strategist for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. He may be contacted at 1-800-264-1225, ext. 2280, or (334) 613-2280, [email protected].
