“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)

Even though I would like for life to slow down at Christmastime, it rarely does. In fact, it usually speeds up. With plays and parties, baking and decorating, Bible studies and special church services, it seems there’s more to do than at any other time of the year.

I don’t know how your Christmas season has been, but my plans for a quiet month of rest and reflection disappeared quickly as I spent long days, nights, and weekends working; dealing with a COVID scare (thankfully, I tested negative, but it canceled several of my activities); and walking beside friends who are going through some really hard things.

I started off strong—I put out more decorations than I have in years, and I made a batch of fudge early in December with plans to do more baking. That hasn’t happened.

I read my Bible app but then didn’t have time for the in-depth Advent study I had planned. I’ve finished the first week, and I’m still planning to complete it. Better late than never, right? The best laid plans…

In the last few years, I’ve noticed I sometimes get more out of Christmas things in the days following Christmas—going to look at special light displays, reading Christmas books, and watching Christmas movies. A couple of times, I’ve left my tree up until almost February just to enjoy the lights a little longer. These activities delay the after-Christmas letdown, and the days after Christmas are usually much slower for me and give me time to enjoy the things I wanted to do before Christmas.

Though I may lament how quickly December has flown by and how little I’ve accomplished, I’m reminded that Christmas is not about my accomplishments or how much I do for God—it’s about what he’s done for me and you. And in these last days leading up to Christmas, as I spend time with my family and my Yorkie companion, Lilly, that’s where I’ll put my focus. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas, and without his death and resurrection, we would still be separated from him. I’m thankful this Christmas that I don’t have to keep striving and accomplishing—all I have to do is be still and believe.

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a baby and then growing up to take the burden of our sins for us on the cross. Thank you for a season dedicated to celebrating all you have done for us, and help us to remember not to restrict our celebration to just one time of year. Help us to cease striving and turn our focus to you. Amen.