Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday is now in our rearview mirror. I hope it was a blessed and joyful time for you and your family. Yes, Christmas is over, and the New Year will soon be upon us. For me this one-week span between chaos and craziness is the perfect time to unwind a bit. It is a great opportunity to let a peaceful calmness come over your very being.
It is true that this space between the holidays can still be hectic with gift returns, after-Christmas sales, and planning New Year’s Eve celebrations. For some, it can also create worry and fear of what the new year will bring. I encourage you to remember that with God, you needn’t stress.
Zephaniah 3:17
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Remembering the reason for the Christmas season and knowing and trusting God is with you always can bring that calmness that most of us desperately need, especially this time of year.
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
What is the best way to find that calmness? I imagine it is different for everyone. For me, I find it by taking a walk on a quiet, moonlit winter night, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and a relaxing book, or spending time in reflective prayer. What works best for you may be different.
Thankfully, there is one sure universal way for everyone to discover a serene calmness now and anytime—just make sure your heart is right with God. Lean into him, and allow his grace, love, and mercy to provide the peace and calmness that surpasses all understanding.
This is the last week of the year, why not just stay calm?
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Questions:
What does your “after Christmas” look like for you?
Do you take time to allow yourself to just be still and let God calm you?
Next Steps:
Actively find ways to help you relax and focus on bringing some calmness into your daily schedule.
If you are struggling to find the peace you need, spend time in prayer.
This is also a good time to seek out a CedarCreek Group to start out the new year. The Groups directory opens January 7, 2023.
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Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the perfect gift of your Son, Jesus, on that very first Christmas day. Help me to always remember the true reason for this holiday season. Help me to find the calm within the storms of life in this crazy world. Help me to always be mindful of others I may encounter during this time—those who may also be struggling to find peace and calm. Show me ways to be of service to them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This post was written by Ned Miller, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.