From Pastor Jeremy
As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves swept up in a rush of activities, traditions, and expectations (That’s often the one that really gets us!). The hustle and bustle can leave us feeling weary or disconnected from the true meaning of the season, from those around us, our families, and even ourselves.
What if this year, instead of following the same routines, we opened ourselves to unexpected joys? What if we reconsidered how we spend our holidays, focusing on what truly matters—our relationships, our faith, and the small but profound ways we can bring light into the world?
So here is the challenge: slow down, reflect, and make space for the holy in the midst of our celebrations.
Practice Gratitude:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We’re often reminded to be thankful during the holidays, but it’s easy to focus on the big things and overlook the everyday blessings that surround us. What if we intentionally sought out those small moments of grace—the sound of laughter, the warmth of a home-cooked meal, or a kind word shared with a stranger?
Each day, as you prepare for the holidays, set aside five minutes to reflect on something you’re thankful for. Write it down and share it with a family member or friend. Gratitude shared is gratitude multiplied. This simple act of giving thanks can shift your perspective and invite God’s peace into your life.
Become More Intentional:
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time.” — Ephesians 5:15-16
How often do we reach the end of the holiday season, exhausted, and wonder where all the time went? It’s easy to be swept away in the chaos, but God calls us to live with intentionality.
What if, this holiday season, you focused not on doing more, but on doing things that matter more? Think about how you can be more intentional with your time, energy, and resources. Is there a tradition that no longer serves your family, but you’ve held onto out of habit? Consider what truly matters, and prioritize those things this season. Don’t be afraid to trim what you and your family do this season, do less, and go deeper!
Set aside time to reflect on your holiday schedule. Make a list of what’s truly important to you this year, and let go of anything that feels like an obligation without meaning.
Be Creative:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17
The holidays offer a perfect opportunity to tap into your creative side. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have to follow the same traditions year after year — maybe this is the time to try something new! Whether it’s baking cookies with friends, trying your hand at crafting homemade gifts, or experimenting with a new could-be-tradition with your friends and family, God delights in the joy we experience when we embrace creativity.
Find a new way to express your connection to the season, the holidays, and what they mean to you.
Limit Your Time:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
The holiday season often brings with it a long list of obligations: family gatherings, work parties, CHURCH, and events. While it’s important to be present for others, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Jesus calls us to rest when we are weary. That means it’s okay to say “no” sometimes.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, limit the time you spend at large gatherings, and make sure to carve out personal moments to recharge. A peaceful heart will enable you to engage more fully with others when you are present.
If you’re feeling stretched thin, take a moment to pause. Before committing to another event, ask yourself if it will bring you joy and connection, or if it will drain you. It’s okay to step back from some obligations in order to preserve your peace. Experiment with a new spiritual practice or a new way to pray this season as a way to rest in Christ. (More on that later.)
Practice Compassion:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
During the holiday season, we often feel the tension between giving and receiving. We may feel pressure to give beyond our means or feel guilty for not being able to meet others’ expectations (There’s the expectations again!). But God calls us to balance giving with compassion, both for ourselves and others.
If we offer grace to ourselves—understanding our own limitations—we’re better able to extend that same grace to others. Spend time with those who fill your heart with peace and who remind you of God’s compassion.
As you move through the holiday season, be mindful of your emotional limits. If you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, take a step back and breathe. Then, approach each situation with compassion, asking God to guide your words and actions.
Volunteer:
“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” — Hebrews 13:16
The holidays are a perfect time to reflect on the needs of others and how we can share what we’ve been given. Volunteering can open our eyes to new perspectives, forge new relationships, and bring deeper meaning to our celebrations. Whether it’s serving at a food bank, helping with a community project, or simply checking in on a neighbor who could use some company, every act of kindness reflects the heart of God.
Find a local organization or charity that resonates with you, and commit to volunteering at least once during the holiday season. You might be surprised at how much joy you find in serving others.
Look for a new (NOT AN EXTRA) way to serve in your community and your church, consider signing up for something as a family, or with a group of friends or those you share a church-pew with.
Explore Spirituality:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
The holiday season is often filled with noise—music, gatherings, shopping—but God calls us to moments of stillness. Take time to rediscover the true meaning of the holiday by delving into the spiritual roots of the season. Spend time in quiet prayer, read the birth stories of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, or listen to your favorite carols with new ears, curious about why the lyrics are so dear to you.
Set aside a few minutes each day to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Whether through Scripture, prayer, or song, allow this time to reconnect you with the reason for the season: God’s incredible gift of love through the birth of Jesus.
What Spiritual Practice will you explore this season? Lectio divina? The use of a prayer book? Maybe engage in a brief fast in opposition to our culture’s expectation of excess during the holidays.
Need help, need suggestions? Talk to one of your ministers, deacon, or sunday school leader.
As we reconsider how we approach the holidays this year, let’s remember that God invites us to experience joy in new and sometimes unexpected ways. May we move through this season with intention, compassion, and a heart open to the whispers of the Spirit, trusting that every moment—no matter how small—can be an opportunity to encounter God’s grace.