Sitting at His Feet: Finding Rest and Joy this Holiday Season
It’s that time of the year when I find myself running a thousand miles a minute to check off my endless holiday list- decorate the house, cook the casseroles, bake the cookies, wrap the gifts and make sure everyone is happy so I can count this as another “successful” holiday season. But as I spent the entire day cooking and cleaning in my kitchen, I couldn’t help but think about the story of Mary and Martha.
Completely covered in powdered sugar and standing in a kitchen that looks like a tornado had struck, I found myself gazing at the couch in the living room, where my cozy blanket and Bible awaited me. The scene of Mary and Martha instantly popped into my mind, where Martha was frantically preparing for her guest, while Mary sat with Him, in that living room, right at His feet. At that moment, I took my apron off, washed my hands, and stopped dead in my tracks.
I knew the only way I could break this cycle of self-inflicted “holidayism” was to deliberately and intentionally do something different this year. So I did. We had guests coming over in three hours, which was normally the time I would be sounding off the alarm making sure everyone was done completing their tasks and preparations, but I stopped all things and went to be at His feet. As I spent time reading my Bible and writing in my journal, I realized there are only three things I really want this holiday season. Surprisingly, none of them include parties, pretty bows under the tree or
anything I could buy on Amazon.
I want slower days with my family.
I want the joy of Christ’s birth to fill my home and my heart. And I want to rest in His peace.
I spent the last two days reflecting on how I can achieve this and what I will do this year to intentionally find Christ’s joy and presence this holiday season.
This is what I’ve decided…
1. Change the Lists
I’ve replaced things that drain my energy to things that fill my cup. My lists now include going for family walks, reading our Bible, following an Advent devotional together, baking together and singing Christmas songs that remind us of the miracle and joy this season brings. These moments bring us closer together and fill our home with peace. I’ve also added quiet times for myself-taking baths, lighting candles, and reading books. And most importantly, carving out special time to spend time studying Scripture slowly and more deeply and spending more time in unrushed prayer.
“And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried about troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 41-42
2. Gratitude Instead of Gifts
Instead on focusing on what we need, we can practice gratitude and find more joy in what we already have. Learning to be thankful, keeping a gratitude list, and talking about the things we are grateful for fills our hearts with joy and peace.
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
2. Learning to Say No
Less truly is more during the holiday season. Instead of cramming our schedules with parties, events, traveling, and hosting, we are learning to embrace the beauty of staying home. Relaxing, watching Christmas movies, reading books, and enjoying quiet moments together brings peace and stillness. In the calm, we can enter the rest that Christ invites us to know.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
I know the holiday season can leave us stressed instead of blessed, but it’s never too late to simplify and refocus. Christmas is an invitation to rediscover the true joy of this season-Christ Himself. I encourage you to take some time today to reflect on what truly matters to you this Christmas season. What can you let go of and what can you do to intentionally invite Christ into your home, so you can enjoy sitting at His feet? As you prioritize your time with God, you will experience a deeper connection with Him, renewed joy, and a profound peace only He can provide.
This holiday season, let’s choose, like Mary, to sit at Jesus’ feet, embracing the joy and rest He offers. Let’s simplify our lists, say no to the distractions and extra obligations, and center our hearts on His presence. As we do, we will experience “the good part,” that will not be taken from us- the true joy and peace Christ was born to give us.
Abide in His Word
Shine His Light,
Kathy