December tends to be a busy month, tagged on the end of a long, exhausting year. Even people who love socialising sometimes struggle to keep up with the carol services, shopping, partying, and constant demands that go hand in hand with the festive season.
Pressure mounts up from all sides. Have I bought enough gifts? Have I forgotten anyone? Have I accidentally arranged to be in two places at the same time? Been there, done that! If we aren’t careful, we find ourselves exhausted by the middle of the month, too burned out to enjoy the celebration of our Saviour’s birth.
It’s great to make the most of Christmas, but we need to remember we’re not invincible. We don’t have to accept every invitation and be the life and soul of every party. It’s okay to take time to do the things that refuel us. I am an introvert, so for me that means cuddling up on the sofa under a fleecy blanket with a box of chocolates, watching a cosy movie, or reading a good book.
God created us with a need for rest. If we don’t get enough of it, our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being suffers. One of my favourite scriptures is Matthew chapter 11 verses 28-30 in the Message translation. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
If this Christmas finds you needing to hide away with Jesus and learn the unforced rhythms of his grace, then please, don’t’ feel guilty if plans need to change, even if that means saying no to some of your church commitments. Jesus will meet you in the quiet seasons as well as in the midst of noise and activity. Say no if you need to and invite him into your rest.
Prayer
Today, I pray for those who are feeling over-burdened and over-stretched. Lord Jesus, I ask that they might invite you into their struggles and allow you to teach them to rest.
Song: A Little Peace on Earth by Legacy Five
Scriptures to Ponder
Psalm 4: 8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
Psalm 127: 2: “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.”