The holiday season is right around the corner, and for many of us, that brings a mix of excitement, joy, responsibility, and (let’s be honest) a little bit of pressure. The calendar fills quickly, the to-do lists grow longer, and the expectations—internal and external—can feel heavier than we’d like to admit.
But what if this year looked a little different?
What if instead of rushing, we received?
Instead of striving, we slowed?
Instead of carrying the weight of “making the holidays perfect,” we carried the reminder that Jesus has already come to bring us peace?
As we step into this season, here are a few truths to hold close:
- You don’t have to do everything to make the season meaningful.
Often the most impactful moments happen in the quiet spaces—the conversations around the table, the quick prayer breathed before bed, the worship song that meets you in the middle of the week. - Rest is holy, too.
Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens. That means your burnout, your full schedule, your anxious heart, and your weary soul are all welcome. Slowing down doesn’t make you less committed—it makes you more present. - Small acts of kindness make a big difference.
A text message, a handwritten card, a simple invitation, or a moment of generosity can remind someone of God’s love far beyond the holiday hype. - God is already in your December.
Before you plan, purchase, decorate, or decide anything, He has already gone before you. He knows what you’ll walk through, who you’ll sit with, and what you’ll need. You don’t have to manufacture joy—He brings it.
So as the holidays draw near, take a deep breath. Let hope rise. Let joy grow slowly. Let peace be something you receive, not something you force.
This season isn’t about perfection.
It’s about presence—His and ours.
May your holidays be filled with moments that remind you of the goodness of God, the warmth of community, and the truth that you are deeply loved.
