Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as Christmas rest.
Some of you may feel like Christmas rest is the oxymoron to top all oxymorons, but I promise you, dear readers, Christmas rest is possible. It may not come easily or happen without intentional effort, but it can indeed be experienced.
If you’ve read my blog during the holiday season before, you know I draw great inspiration, joy, and peace through the music of Christmas, and this year is no exception. Yes, a beloved Christmas carol shines a light on how we can enjoy some rest during any busy holiday season.
Look closely at the words penned by Edmund Sears in the third verse of “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.” Its words provide the perfect instructions:
“And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing!”
So how can we experience rest during the Christmas season? We need to stop and pull off that hectic holiday road that’s wearing us out. (I need to take this advice!) We need to sit back and quiet ourselves. We need to listen. As we do, we just might hear the angels sing. As we do, our hearts will fill with peace and joy.
Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as Christmas rest.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14 KJV
*How do you experience Christmas rest?
*Don’t miss out on A Little Yuletide Giveaway — throw your name in the hat by 6 p.m. CST this Wednesday the 11th!
*Flickr photo by John-Morgan
Thank you for this post Cheryl. It is a great reminder to me to relax and enjoy the Christmas season. One of the ways I experience Christmas rest by listening to Christmas music and doing fun activities with my sons. It has been fun this year since my oldest is starting to understand what Christmas is all about. Lately in his prayers he has been saying, “and thank you for Jesus’ birthday.” It warms my heart and reminds me what Christmas is all about. Blessings to you, Cheryl.
You are building unforgettable moments with your boys, Rachel. So sweet that your little guy is thanking God for Jesus’ birthday. Enjoy the rest of this special season!
Cheryl, it is church that makes our lives so overly full at this time of year! Hard to figure out what parts we can say “no” to. Not complaining, just stating and wondering.
It certainly can, Jana. I have to really pick and choose what to be involved in, too, and it’s hard. Everything is so worthy, but we just can’t do it all, can we? Thank goodness the Lord designed the church as a body with many parts. We can relax and let others fill their roles, too.