The holiday season is fast approaching, whether we want it to or not! There is definitely a welcomed excitement that comes with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Family gatherings, warm food, and drink enjoyed with those we love, gift-giving, the soft crackling of a fire, and the jolly and pleasant glow of Christmas lights. These are all things I love and joyously look forward to as we say goodbye to the beauty of Autumn and welcome the quiet sparkle of Winter. Amidst the much-loved activities that arrive with the coming of Christmas, there can also be pressure. Pressure to do all the things. Thoughts of don’t disappoint and keep everyone happy tend to override the real reason we get to celebrate Christmas. If you want to slow down and savor the Savior this holiday season, join me as we look at practical ways to accomplish this.
Before I begin, I realize that slowing and savoring is often easier said than done. Let’s be honest; we can’t entirely escape the busyness. I’m positive if there was a sure and steady way, most of us would have done it by now! As I mentioned, I desire to keep this as practical as possible. But I am confident everyone can benefit from a change in mindset, myself included!
5 Ways To Savor the Savior:
1. Cultivate An Environment Of Thankfulness
I believe this goes without saying: thankfulness is not just for Thanksgiving! Creating an environment of thankfulness sets the tone for the home. It shifts our focus from our desires to our blessings. Thankfulness is becoming increasingly more challenging as the world charges fiercely in the other direction, but I believe through Christ, an environment of thankfulness is not out of reach.
So, how can we savor the Savior this holiday season through thankfulness? Maybe that is through an Advent study. Focusing on Advent not only helps us relish Christ but it helps us grow in thankfulness for the incredible gift Jesus gave us. As a family, you could intentionally name the characteristics of Jesus that you are thankful for each week. Reenact the Christmas Story involving your children or create a list of everyday blessings to express gratitude. Maybe instead of creating a list for Santa, create a list of items to gather for a food drive or donate items to a local charity. Choose one and go for it!
2. Savor the Savior Through Christ-Centered Music
Yes, I get it. There is nothing like hearing Mariah Carey hit that high note in “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Or the butter-smooth voice of Michael Bublé singing “White Christmas.” Somehow, those songs make you happy! I enjoy listening to them, too. But there is something divinely beautiful about dwelling on Christmas hymns and Christ-centered songs. It calls to mind why we get to celebrate Christmas. Indeed, the reason for the season! As we intentionally allow this music to fill our homes, it eventually fills our hearts and minds with truth. It’s such a simple way to savor the Savior this holiday season. The First Noel, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Joy To The World are just a few of the well-loved Christmas hymns that can turn our eyes away from ourselves and onto Christ.
3. Rest In The Arms Of The Father
Why does it seem that the word rest and holidays don’t go hand-in-hand? Sometimes, all it takes is hearing the word December, and I’m already tired. But praise God that we have abundant hope and strength through him. Even when our Decembers become busier than expected, we can trust that God will indeed carry us through. He will lead us on the level ground needed to navigate the full schedules and faithfully bring us to the other side. Psalm 16:11 says, “…in your presence there is fullness of joy.” We experience true joy not from “the magic of Christmas” but when we sit in the presence of our loving Father. Basking in his glory uplifts our hearts and minds and gives us what we need to meet the Christmas season’s natural demands.
4. Savor the Savior by Slowing Down
As I’ve mentioned before, a natural busyness occurs around Christmas. Family gatherings, employee parties, holiday markets, and other Christmas-related events. It’s an entire month full of celebration! Perhaps your family enjoys living a fast-paced lifestyle. I’m not here to say that is wrong! Every family dynamic is different. My family tends to thrive at a slower pace, so naturally, that is what I try to cultivate. Yet, I believe that small efforts here and there do much more than I realize. Sometimes, we stay home together instead of going to the next holiday festivity. Simplifying Christmas gift-giving has also been a breath of fresh air. The less buying, the less to think about, which naturally allows a slower pace of life. Slowing down allows my family the space to dwell on the beauty of Christ’s birth and what that means for us.
5. Our Hope Isn’t In The Holidays
The festive season is a time of mixed emotions. The buzz of holiday happiness can be so strong that it can sometimes deceive us into believing that everything is and will be perfect. The advertised “spirit of Christmas” can powerfully impact our hearts, making us feel uplifted and joyful. However, this can result in us setting too high expectations, leading to disappointment and feelings of letdown. What if we began the Christmas season with our hope firmly fixed on what the birth of Jesus means for us? What if the only expectation we had was for our family to savor the Savior this holiday season? This is where true hope is born and nurtured on the solid ground of truth. May we abound in it, rejoice in it, and allow it to overflow into every aspect of our lives.
6. Commit to Praying for a Grieving Family
I understand that this doesn’t sound like “savoring the Savior,” but it is a humble reminder that not every family’s Christmas season is going to be holly and jolly. So many families are grieving and aren’t sure how they will survive the month of December. Our prayers don’t have to be extravagant. The simplest of ones are heard and treasured by our Heavenly Father. We can be confident that the Lord is ever-so near to the brokenhearted, and He will supernaturally equip them to walk this season out. Let’s join in covering a grieving family in prayer this Christmas season. Here is a prayer we can use:
“Heavenly Father, You call us to weep with those who weep. Right now, I pray for______. You are well acquainted with the pain and grief that is causing their hearts to ache. May your presence be nearer than ever before. In this season of joy, may You be their joy and strength. You remind us that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Remind them of that in this season that offers eternal hope. I pray that healing will come slowly and gently and that their testimony will always be “Christ in me.” Thank you for _______. May they know without a doubt that You are with them this holiday season and are holding them close. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Closing Thoughts
I pray that your Christmas season will be filled with beautiful moments, sacred reflection, and overflowing joy. Not because the holiday was perfect. But because of the hope that it offers. Below I’ve included several links to different things that would be useful and practical in helping you and your family savor the Savior as Christmas approaches. I hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! And remember, Christmas was never meant to be a burden but a blessing! See you in the New Year!
- This Advent card set is one my kids look forward to every year! It’s simple, easy on your wallet, relaxed, and a great addition to your nighttime routine through the month of December.
- This Christian Christmas Instrumental playlist is on repeat right now. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the gentle instrumental tunes of Christ-centered Christmas songs relax my heart and mind. I hope it does the same for you!
- This Advent devotional is an oldy but a goody! I’ve used it for several years, and each time I read it, I am reminded of the sacredness of the season. If you’re looking for one, check it out!
“You get the Christmas you’ve always dreamed of because you get Jesus. And He wants you and loves you more than you could have ever dreamed.”
-Ann Voskamp
If this Christmas season seems heavy, I invite you to read this blog post on waging war on weariness. Friend, there is so much hope. I pray our Father will renew that hope within you this holiday season. You are loved!
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