5 Steps to a Calm Christmas

by

The hustle and bustle is upon us. The December calendar is filled to the brim with Christmas pageants, programs, parties, and shopping. Crazy people everywhere are rushing here and there decking halls and singing fa-la-la-la-la. It makes me twitch a little. I love Christmas, but the pace seems to get crazier and crazier every year.

I like the slow parts.

I like to inhale and smell the comforting scent of cinnamon and apple spice.

I like to sit by the Christmas tree and watch the ornaments glisten and dazzle.

I like to gather around a table and enjoy laughter and good food.

I like to see children light up at the thought of Christmas morning.

I enjoy the little precious moments and memories that Christmas brings.

I like the tradition of going to church on Christmas Eve for a candle lit service. There’s something about joining together with the body of Christ to remember and celebrate Jesus that captivates my spirit in a beautiful way.

Rather than letting myself get crazy this year, I am choosing to slow down and take time to enjoy the memories being made. I want to focus on the parts of Christmas that are truly important. I want to remember the sweet traditions and the priceless family gatherings.

But more importantly than anything that we do, I want to see Jesus in a new light. I want to experience surrendering my time, my energy and my schedule to His purpose, plan, and providence.

I do not want to look back and say that this was a great Christmas because of the presents or the pageants. I want it to be a great Christmas because of the way Jesus’ presence so evidently filled every aspect of the season. I want my children to realize it’s not about the presents under the tree, but rather about God’s presence being sent to earth to die for our sins.

When I really sit in the stillness of God’s presence and I focus on Jesus, God’s son who came to a sinful world to die for me, my heart is convicted.

Christmas is a time to celebrate! We should tell our family, and tell our friends the real meaning of Christmas. What a perfect time to reflect and remember the way Jesus has changed our lives. If you’ve gotten too busy and December makes you feel a little nutty, slow down and remember the reason for the season. No one is making you rush here and run there. Choose a slower pace this year.

Slow down, notice the lights, the enchanting scents and the people who are in your life this Christmas. Jesus died for them too and His presence is truly amazing. We should tell them!

Here is what God is reminding me to do this season:

1. Focus on Jesus – the reason for the season.

2. Don’t get caught up in the gifts.

3. Give your heart out.

4. Make Jesus the center of your home for every gathering.

His presence brings peace, not pressure.

5. Remember His presence is the best present. Make eye contact. Focus and give the gift of attention to those in your life that you love. Look into their eyes and make sure they know the reason for the season is more than a tree, more than lights, more than an elf on a shelf, or a family dinner. It’s all about Jesus.

Don’t get me wrong, I love elves. But I love Jesus so much more! Let’s tell others why He came.

Love & Blessings,

Micah

Merry Christmas! Share this with someone you love!

Here’s where I am sharing this post this week.

About Micah Maddox

Posted in:
Tags: , , , , ,
/ 27 Comments

Page with Comments

  1. I want those things too, Micah. I know that when my kids were small I thought that I had to do so much more than I do now. But maybe I was teaching them the wrong things about Christmas. You are wise to slow down and focus on the things that matter at Christmas–keeping Christ central. Great thoughts, my friend!

    1. I think there is so much pressure all around us that it’s so easy to miss it. It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the craziness. I hope you have a calm and Christ-centered Christmas!!

  2. Micah –
    Your post is so timely and seems like the Holy Spirit is speaking to many of us about the same exact thing this Christmas Season… I especially love how you put the importance of what this season is to be, I want this too….”I want it to be a great Christmas because of the way Jesus’ presence so evidently filled every aspect of the season.” AMEN &Thank you for sharing your post today at the #RaRaLinkup where I get to be your neighbor!

    1. Thanks, Debbie! I hope you have a Merry Calm Christmas!

  3. Yes! I completely agree. Christmas is much more enjoyable when we step back, try not to stress out, and focus on Christ!

    1. Focussing this week, Emily! I hope you have a Merry Calm Christmas!

  4. You could have titled this post: 5 ways to save your sanity this Christmas! As Christians we do try to do it all during this time of year. Let’s heed your advice and truly celebrate Jesus!

  5. This is filled with encouragement, Micah. I love #3…”Give your heart out”. Yes.. that is something that really does amplify the power of His message of love, when we give out of a heart filled by time spent seeking him and doing all the other suggestions you shared. They all are connected, aren’t they. Thanks for a beautiful, yet gentle, reminder.
    Blessings,
    Dawn

    1. That’s my favorite too, Dawn.

  6. Wonderful post, Micah. I especially liked #3 – “Give your heart out.” Just think – once our hearts are emptied, we will have room for what truly matters – Him :) May you & yours have a blessed Christmas!

    1. Merry Christmas to you, Joanne! I love the way you put that!

    1. Thank you for passing it on, Rose!

  8. This is a beautiful post, Micah. I’m enjoying some of the same things you mention: an apple cinnamon candle right now! And yes, it’s time to slow down and ENJOY people, to enjoy being with Jesus. I’m working through a little study of Matthew 2, which is speaking volumes to me.

    1. Betsy, I just read Matthew 2 this week! Learning to focus on what’s truly important. And I think I go light a candle now :)

  9. Lori Schumaker of Seaching for Moments says:

    It is so easy to get caught up in the rush, but I always believe balance is the key. Keeping Jesus as front and center, and then adding what you can. If adding begins taking away from our ability to enjoy the season and feel His hope and peace, then subtracting needs to happen. I remember when my kiddos were little, I wanted to do every cute, crafty, exciting, and memorable Christmas tradition I could find! We’ve grown past that. Now they each have programs or parties through school and church, however I don’t fret about getting the gingerbread houses done on time, hosting the cookie party or baking up a storm, or whether the elf moved the night before or not! Ha! I pick a couple of sweet traditions and hold to those. Ones that keep Jesus at the center. The other stuff happens in relaxed ways :-) Thank you for this great post!!!

    1. Lori, we can’t do it all can we. So many Pinterest ideas and tutorials, but in the end they don’t truly matter. I hope you and your family has a relaxed Christmas focused on Christ!

  10. I love the slow parts of Christmas too, Micah. I’m trying to be more intentional about giving the gift of attention to those I love this week … I appreciate how you explain that in your last point. Much comfort and joy to you this Christmas!

  11. “Slow down,” yes those are words I need whispered in my ear at every turn and not just in this season.

  12. Thank you so much for this! I am blessed to read this. Merry Christmas to your sweet family

  13. This resonates with me so much! I’ve been coming to the point of a slower Advent season over a period of years, and rest is so much better than frenzy. Living Matthew 11:28-30 honors God with our hearts and wills. Bless you from #EspressosOfFaith via #DanceWithJesus!

Comments are closed.