Holiday Devotions for the Distracted HeartSample

Distraction of December

I love the holidays: the lights, music, decorations, parties, even the baking, shopping, and wrapping. Every tradition celebrated holds special significance and brings the true meaning of Christmas to life. This makes it difficult to leave anything out as I try to recreate the memories of holidays past. Yet, when I add all these expectations to a full schedule, it creates stress. 

December becomes a dreaded treadmill that starts moving faster and faster until I can no longer keep up. 

When the early Christians celebrated Christmas, the focus was on the birth of Christ and the true gifts He brought into this world: love, joy, and peace. It is through the centuries we have crowded the season with all the extra traditions and expectations. 2020 gave us a taste of a simplified Christmas. There were no parties, gifts arrived in Amazon boxes and family get-togethers and church services were celebrated through computer screens. Despite the losses, the gains of a slower pace increased my awareness of the true meaning of Christmas. 

The tradition of putting out the nativity set helps me center on the significance of Christ’s birth. Christmas carols like "Oh Holy Night" and "Silent Night" quiet my mind and allow my soul to embrace the true meaning of the season - the birth of Jesus. 

“For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

I want to recapture His peace. This year, my goal is to simplify Christmas by decreasing the distractions and focusing on activities that hold meaning for me rather than create mania. 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, 

You reminded the disciples about Your peace during your last meal with them. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” Help me to seek Your heavenly peace amidst the busyness of this season.

Amen 

Discussion or Journal Prompt:

How can you simplify the decorations and activities by choosing ones that bring your family or others joy, contentment, and peace?