Well, will you look at that, Christmas is just a week away. If you’re like me, it feels like 2016 just started. And yet, here we are at the end of it, about to celebrate Christmas. How did that happen???
Despite the year breaking speed limits, it was, in fact, 365 days (wait, this was a leap year, so 366?). And, well, a lot can happen in 366 days. A lot of heartbreak, a lot of joy, a lot of change. Each year brings something new—good and bad. And, let’s face it, life can be stressful.
That’s why I love how Christmas is at the end of the year. It’s like a calming breath after a heavy workout. The year is nearly done, Christmas break is here, and now it’s time to get with family and friends. To put on that long awaited Christmas music. To reminisce over Christmas ornaments while decorating the tree. To consume far too many hot, sugary drinks and cookies.
It’s a time of joy. And it’s a time of peace.
Yes, with Christmas comes a whole other load of stress. But should it be? Does it have to?
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Is this not the time to celebrate the One Who came and gave it all for us, instead of stressing over getting each other material possessions?
To refuel and remember His ultimate gift?
In September I had something tragic happen to a family dear to me. In October I gave myself a headache trying to plot More Gold than Sunlight, in November I completely ignored life and spent every waking hour writing MGtS, and then December came and I had to catch up on everything I ignored during November and do all the Christmas prepping. To put it simply: I’m tired.
But you know what?
IT’S CHRISTMAS.
So for the remainder of December, I want to relax. And I want to soak in every moment. Yes, there are still many things to do—a whole list of tasks. But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy each moment. That doesn’t mean I can’t revel in the very reason this season exists.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
The Prince of Peace came for you. For me.
This year wasn’t this easiest. And maybe it wasn’t for you either. Maybe you’re feeling tired and stressed and downhearted. Maybe this year took a lot out of you.
Me too.
2017 is nearing. And with it comes new challenges and possibilities. But right now, it’s Christmas time. Right now, it’s time to release the burdens of 2016.
Right now, it’s time to take a breath.
I’m planning on refueling, enjoying this blessed season so I shall be prepared for the next. And I’d love it if you’d join me. Because it’s Christmas. It’s the time of peace and joy, because HE is peace and joy.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I do so hope you all have a blessed Christmas!
I love this post so much. <3 Thanks for this wonderful reminder. This year took a lot out of me too. But yes, PEACE and JOY and CHRISTMAS. I think I need to relax and enjoy the Good News too. :) Beautiful post, thank you! And I hope you have the most wonderful Merry Christmas!! <3 ^_^
ReplyDeleteD'awww, thanks! It sounds like this year was pretty tough for a lot of people. :( I do really hope everyone can rejuvenate during this time.
DeleteYou too! I so, so hope it's a wonderful, relaxing one for you! *HUGGLES*
This post... <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a wonderful reminder, Christine! I pray your Christmas is fun and relaxing! <3
~Liv
oliviakfisher.blogspot.com
Awww! You're welcome, girl. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's something that has been on my mind lately.
DeleteYours as well! Merry Christmas! <3
MAN OH MAN THIS POST. <3
ReplyDeleteThis is so very relevant to my life and this year right now...2016 has been a hard year. Lots of struggles and tears, but there were also the good times, along with glorious glimpses of God's love and care, even in the hard times. Also, I do need to take a break. From school. =\ This is my first year of high school, and it has been wearing on me, and I feel like I'm becoming obsessed with trying to graduate early and not getting behind in my schoolwork. I just need to breeeathe. THIS IS CHRISTMAS BREAK FOR GOODNESS SAKE. So yeah, I'm gonna just chill and enjoy this week, just like you said. Jesus came to take all the burdens off our shoulders, and He doesn't want me to carry mine alone. Thanks for this post, Christine. =)
-Ariel
ARIEL. You precious thing! I am so sorry to hear you've had a such a hard year though. But how beautiful you've seen God's glory through it all. You're a treasure, girl. <3
DeleteOh man. High school can be so stressful. And you sound like me. I was always so focused on getting as much done as soon as possible and overwhelming myself. I do so hope you get to relax and refuel. You're so right. Jesus is here to help carry the load. ^_^
Have a wonderful Christmas, Ariel! <333
*hugs post because it was so true and beautiful* This is so good Christine. I love the chance of holidays to just pull out of the day to day life and be reminded to marvel at the amazing and awesome things out God has done.
ReplyDeleteYou know what? I just got inspiration for my Christmas blog post. Yay! :D
*hugs YOU because you're so sweet* Thank you, girl! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. Writing these thoughts down helps drill them in my brain. XD
DeleteI love how you worded it! It IS like pulling out the humdrum of life and glorying in Him.
Oh yay!! That's wonderful!
"I’m planning on refueling, enjoying this blessed season so I shall be prepared for the next. And I’d love it if you’d join me. Because it’s Christmas. It’s the time of peace and joy, because HE is peace and joy."
ReplyDeleteI should frame this and hang it on the wall- it's beautiful!
Oh gracious, that...that's the nicest thing! I'm so happy you like it!
DeleteHave a Merry Christmas, Blue! <3
I am trying to use the rest of month as a chance to breath too!
ReplyDeleteI do so hope you're able to! *huggles* Have a Merry Christmas!
DeleteIt's hard to get myself to slow down, but that's what I'm trying to do for a little while. But it's hard to give myself permission you know? Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletestoritorigrace.blogspot.com
YES. I know precisely what you're saying!!! I've literally had to FORCE myself to not go do that task or this one and just take it easy. I NEED it, but my brain seems to think I have to be productive every waking hour. >.> So yes, I'm right there with you. But a break can be a very, very good thing. I shall try to rest for a while. XD
DeleteMerry Christmas to you, too! Hope you have a blessed one. <3
Great post, Christine. Letting go of the burdens of 2016 and letting myself relax is hard thing for me to do.
ReplyDeletestoritorigrace.blogspot.com
I hear you, girl! 2016 was not an easy year. I so hope you're able to relax some, and 2017 will be much better! <333
DeleteMerry belated Christmas, Christine! What a beautiful reminder. Christmas IS perfectly placed near the end of the year, I agree. And the best part about it is the way it brings the Prince of Peace to the forefront of my mind. No matter what the year has looked like, no matter how busy I've been, I can find peace in Him.
ReplyDelete(Speaking of which, I wonder if I was at least a little bit subconsciously influenced by your Christmas post when I wrote mine... :))
Merry belated Christmas to you, too, dear Tracey! <3
DeleteYou said it so perfectly! Christmas can be peaceful because it's ABOUT the Prince of Peace. And even if the year was hard, we always, ALWAYS have Him.
Awww, Tracey! Your post was so beautiful and deep and helped me so much. It was just what I needed. *huggles*