The Holidays are here, and with that comes a swirl of gift shopping, meal prepping and cooking, and tying up loose ends before the new year. It’s easy to get distracted or overextended. To do all that you are called to do in the next couple of months, keep your faith centered on the reason for the season! Here are a few ways to keep your faith strong:
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1. Start Each Day in Scripture & Prayer
Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Setting aside quiet moments to read Scripture daily reminds us that Jesus is why we celebrate. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of gift buying, sweet-treat baking, and Christmas card sending. Filling yourself up with scripture will always recenter your heart and your day.
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2. Say This Prayer
God,
Help me keep my eyes fixed upon you this season. As I prepare, plan, and wrap all the goodies and gifts, help me not get wrapped up in the chaos or commotion. Tune my heart into your Presence. You are Immanuel, God with us. I invite your presence in my heart, home, and this Holiday season. May I remember what’s truly holy and beautiful.
Amen.
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3. Read the Nativity Story as a Family
Reading the Nativity Story found in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 is a sweet way to rediscover the beauty of Christ’s birth. As you read, what new details pop out to you? Can you imagine the sounds, sights, and smells of the night Jesus was born? Take time to talk through the emotions and experiences Mary and Joseph may have faced. When you pause to ponder the details, your heart will connect with the true miracle of Christmas.
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4. Stay Consistent with Healthy Meals and Exercise
Well hang on before you skip to the next slide! Go on and bake the traditional cookies and prepare your favorite cinnamon roll recipe for Christmas breakfast! But load up with whole, real food as much as possible throughout the day. Stay consistent with your exercise routine and use the extra family time as a chance to get in a few family walks together. Loading your immune system with extra nutrients and getting in daily movement will do wonders for your body and spirit, keeping you healthy and strong as you end the year and start a new one.
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5. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t start and stop on Thanksgiving. How would it look if you practiced daily gratitude? Maybe you keep a running gratitude list on your phone or journal or post a few memories on social media that you are extra thankful for this year. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
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6. Simplify Your Commitments
As you look over the next few months on the calendar, nix what isn’t necessary. The end of the year is a perfect time to slow down and reflect on the past year and prepare your heart for what’s coming next. Pray for discernment to prioritize what truly matters and get your family’s input for what would make this a special Christmas.
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7. Find Rest in the Quiet Moments
I love a good Hallmark movie, I sure do! But what would it look like to turn the distractions off for a night or two and sit quietly? If you have a tree up with lights, reflect on the bright moment to the dark contrast of night when the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds. “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them” (Luke 2:-8-9). May the lights and decorations draw you back to God’s light and glory!
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8. Show Extra Care for a Loved One or Stranger
The holidays can be hard for so many people. Some might be struggling financially, others grieving the loved one they lost, or going through a medical diagnosis and treatment they never expected. The Christmas season is a wonderful time to show care and support to those hurting. Matthew 25:40 says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” How would it look if our actions reflected The Father’s love? Filling a box for Operation Christmas Child, picking a child to sponsor for The Angel Tree, or preparing a homemade meal for a friend or loved one is always welcomed ways to extend kindness. Bonus points for getting the entire family involved!
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9. Mediate on This Verse
Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” What beautiful names of God! Wonderful Counselor—He is indeed. Yes, a very Mighty God! Reflect on the profound names and roles our Everlasting Father has playing in your life. Don’t allow the Christmas rush to distract your faith. Walk beside the Prince of Peace and seek His Presence daily. I can guarantee you’ll have a meaningful Christmas!
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Originally published Monday, 18 November 2024.