newsletter // dec 16, 2023

{when you’re longing for a more peaceful and meaningful christmas}

I’m continuing this series on social media with two more tips:

{3}  Consider exploring this prayer or journaling prompt:  “Jesus, what can I give YOU this Christmas?”

Many years ago, when I was a preschool teacher, one of my favorite projects to do with the kids at Christmas time was “A Gift for Baby Jesus”. We would complete a craft that looked like a Christmas present, then I would ask each of them what they would give to baby Jesus as a gift, and write it for them on the “present”. Their answers were so precious and varied… from a cozy blanket to a warm bottle to a Tyrannosaurus rex toy.

But isn’t this a valid question to ask ourselves this holiday season? He gave us the gift of His life— both 33 years as a living example of faith and obedience AND a generous life-giving sacrifice on the cross. While we are daily working on yielding our lives to Him in return, why not consider giving Him something that He wants from us in this season?

I hesitate to give you examples, because I want you to leave room for the incredibly simple or off-the-wall surprise or painfully hard thing He might whisper to you. I don’t know what Jesus might want from you this Christmas, but I do know this— you will experience more peace and joy when you offer this thing to Him.

Jesus, show me if there is anything that You are longing to receive from me. Open my awareness to understand what this might be. Help me to listen for Your answer, rather than making assumptions. Don’t let me fear what the request might be, for You are good and will only ask for what will produce good in my life. Give me the willingness to follow through on it. May this experience draw me closer to You and increase my faith in You. Amen.

{4} Release the desire or pressure to make everything ideal for the people in your life.

This is something I struggle with— making others happy to the detriment of my own emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. I’ve had to repeatedly lay down the desire to find that gift that will really make someone happy. Honestly, is there anything I could wrap up and give to someone to give them lasting happiness? It’s only Jesus, and living a life of faith & trust in Him, that will bring joy that truly satisfies.

There are also people in our lives who will never be happy, no matter what we do for them. Then there are all the things we think we “should” do during the holidays because they are required or expected. How many traditions are we keeping up that are draining us, and might not be missed if we let them go?

How concerned are we with perfection? We want the house to look perfect, the gifts to be perfect, and the event to unfold perfectly. What if you are wearing yourself out unnecessarily?

Beloved, you are not responsible for the happiness of others this Christmas.

Lord, it’s Your season. It’s about You. Turn my eyes toward You and the wonder of Your birth. Show me where You want me to conserve energy and resources. Open my eyes to see what expectations or unfruitful traditions You are calling me to let go of this year. While I am quiet right now before You Lord, show me where I can shift my energy into worship, rest, and connecting with others. I want to experience Your joy and peace. I want to walk in freedom this Christmas. I release the happiness of others to You, Lord. I specifically release _____ to You. Guide my steps as I move through the rest of this season. Open up my awareness of Your presence so that I can consciously walk with You each day.  Amen.

I’ve got more tips that I’ll share next week.

Merry Christmas,

p.s. if you missed the first two tips, you can read them here.