Inside: An inspirational devotional for Christmas inspired by holiday memories to encourage us to slow down and enjoy everyday moments at Christmas and all year long.
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Key Verse:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
Slowing down during the holidays is the last thing on our minds.
From buying presents to Christmas cookies to Elf on the Shelf antics, and cleaning up broken ornaments,
There is just so…much…to…do…
But, we don’t have to do all things every year.
Christmas memories are great, but not if they are paired with pulling your hair out or relentless tears.
Small things make big memories.
When I think back to things I remember as a child, I think of the following:
- My gift of a paper boyfriend paired with a scavenger hunt for my real gift. (The boyfriend’s name was Brock)
- Piling in my daddy’s old white truck and belting Christmas carols on our way to cut down our tree.
- Or decorating our tree with old Christmas records serenading in the background.
Whether we had a fake tree or a real tree, it didn’t matter. It didn’t matter whether we fought or pouted. (which we did) It didn’t even matter that my mom would rearrange the ornaments after we went to bed. (I understand why now!)
None of those things mattered because the memory came from coming together as a family. The memories came from when we slowed down at Christmas long enough to enjoy each other.
Today, I continue the tradition of decorating the tree with my own family.
Ours might look a little different.
For instance, I now stream Christmas music from my phone and blue tooth speaker, and I don’t rearrange ornaments unless they are about to drop to smithereens. (Who has time for that? Sorry, mom.)
The greatest part of holiday traditions for me is the memories:
- My kids’ first Christmas
- Special ornaments gifted to me from long-lost, beloved grandparents.
- The joy and laughter of my children on Christmas morning
I savor the memories from my Christmas tree every evening. If I’m feeling blue, all I need to do is look at my tree and ruminate on the memories and love. (I know that sounds so sappy, but it’s true.)
As a busy mom of two, I often forget to slow down in life and enjoy the little moments.
But the true magic lies in those moments.
Jesus knew this to be true as well.
Many times Jesus would withdraw to be alone. (Mark 9:2; John 6:22)
He knew he needed to slow down and rest or take time to be with his Father.
In addition, there are many instances of him having dinner with different people. (Zaccheus, The Last Supper, providing bread and fish for the multitudes)
He didn’t hurry, even when the world was pressing against him. Consider:
- The woman who touched his robe in the crowds,
- How he took a nap during a storm
- Or raising Lazarus from the dead four days after he died.
Consider Matthew 26: 26 to 30:
As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.
Matthew 26:26 (NLT)
Even on his last days when he knew what was in store for him, he slowed down and dined with his closest and most beloved friends.
Related: Jesus’ Example of Slowing Down – Family Christian
In the same way,
If you can slow down at Christmas and all year long, even just a little, you make more room for what really matters.
Every year, as I watch my two children and my husband decorate our tree, my heart swells with just a little more love and joy, even amidst a little crankiness and a few broken ornaments.
Those broken ornaments don’t matter, but the two little lives God has given me and the man who chooses to stay by my side are the things that matter.
All…Year…Long…
Reflect:
Have you stopped this year to revel in the joy and memory that is the season? How can you slow down this holiday season?
Melissa, from Simple Lionheart Life, gives some great tips to get you started:
How to Slow Down: 20 Simple Ways to Slow Down & Enjoy Life – Simple Lionheart Life
One of my personal favorite ways to slow down is by taking time to write down what I’m grateful for each night.
If you want to start with gratitude, but don’t know where to start, check out my free gratitude pack. (includes gratitude prompts and Bible verses)
Remember that many times to accomplish more, you must slow down.
Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the joy this holiday season brings and that it causes people to think of others and of you more. Help me to remember to enjoy the gifts you have given me this holiday season and all year long.
Help me to take time to love my family, friends, and strangers this season. I thank you for your examples of both how to love others and take time for rest.
In Jesus’s Name,
Amen
As always, Thanks for reading, and If you enjoyed this short devotional for Christmas, I would appreciate your shares on social media.
Resources to Remind You to Enjoy the Season:
Another Devotional for Christmas:
Joy in the Magic of the Season
You may also enjoy the following:
Gratitude List Examples: 35 Inspiring and Unique Ideas
Can We Have Eternal Joy? Inspiration from a Southern Snow Day
This devotional for Christmas was originally published on December 4, 2019. Revised December 9, 2020. November 26, 2022, December 2023
The best memories, as you said, often involve relationships and are free. May we slow down this year and make some good memories, and enjoy the memories from past years.
So true and so easy to forget sometimes! Thank you!
The last month or so I feel like there has been a theme that the Lord has been impressing upon me, and it’s about remembering. It’s so important to remember and I love how your posts prompts us to remember in the busyness. Bless you Brynn, it’s another reminder I needed xx