We hear it all the time, or some similar variation – “Don’t get so caught up in the craziness of the Christmas season that you forget the real reason for it.” “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
Personally, I love to remind people of this. However, applying it to my own life? Not as excited about that. Granted, my life today is MUCH less chaotic and jam-packed compared to the years I was working full-time and still trying to do everything Christmas related – even buying presents for everyone’s pets.
But regardless of how busy our lives are right now, and regardless of how much we agree with the sentiment of slowing down to appreciate things, how many of us really accomplish that?
In all fairness to all of you, it IS a crazy busy season. There’s shopping and wrapping and baking and decorating and Christmas cards and Christmas concerts and “parties for hosting and caroling out in the snow…” Oh, sorry, got carried away there for a moment. We’ve all likely lived this reality during most, if not all, of our Christmas holidays.
And a word of caution from me will hardly cause you to stop the madness and sit quietly humming “Silent Night.”
What if we bypassed any of MY “wisdom” and looked directly at what God’s Word says? What God wants each of us to know about peace and rest and stillness. Would it carry more weight? Most of us would sheepishly agree that it does.
So, I selected some of my favorite scripture texts on this subject that I hope can help you see not only the benefit of rest, but how clearly God calls us to this – ANY time of the year! Admittedly, these are just snippets and could carry slightly different meanings if included with the entire texts. But, as important as that is, it’s not my goal here. It’s to soak in the beauty of God speaking truth to you on this subject.
I included the scripture texts as footnotes only because I want you to read straight through these verses as if it was one dialog with God.
So, find a quiet corner (or bathroom), grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, pray to hear God’s voice, and then let the truth of these scriptures wash over you and give you…peace.
Be still, and know that I am God. [1] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. [2]
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.[3] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.[4]
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.[5]
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. [6] You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.[7] In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.[8]
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.[9] 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.[10]
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. [11]And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.[12]
I hope this has been a balm for your weary soul. I know it blessed me as I typed these
words. Now, go in peace!
[1] Psalm 46:10
[2] Psalm 37:7
[3] Matthew 11:28-30
[4] Matthew 11:29
[5] Philippians 4:6-7
[6] John 14:27
[7] Isaiah 26:3
[8] Psalm 4:8
[9] Isaiah 30:15
[10] Isaiah 9:6
[11] 2 Thessalonians 3:16
[12] Colossians 3:15