Christmas: Finding Peace Amid the Hustle

The Christmas season is often described as "the most wonderful time of the year," but for many, it feels more like "the busiest time of the year." From endless shopping lists to decorating, baking, and attending countless gatherings, the season meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus can leave us feeling stressed and distracted.

But what would Jesus say about our busyness during Christmas? How can we shift our focus from the chaos to the true meaning of the season? Let’s explore how to reclaim the peace and joy that Christmas is meant to bring

The Irony of Christmas Busyness

Christmas celebrates the humble birth of Jesus Christ in a quiet manger in Bethlehem—a moment of simplicity, humility, and peace. Yet, our modern celebrations often seem to be the opposite: hurried, cluttered, and overwhelming.

• We rush from store to store, trying to find the "perfect" gift.
• Our calendars are packed with events, leaving little time to rest or reflect.
• Social media adds to the pressure, showing picture-perfect holidays that make us feel like we need to do more.

While traditions and celebrations aren’t inherently bad, they can overshadow the true purpose of Christmas: celebrating Jesus and sharing His love. 

Jesus' Approach to Busyness

In the Gospels, Jesus often modeled how to respond to busyness. He didn’t avoid work or responsibilities, but He approached them with intentionality and balance. Here are three key lessons we can learn from Him:

1. Prioritize What Matters Most
   In Luke 10:38-42, we see the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha busied herself with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him. When Martha complained, Jesus gently reminded her, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.”

During Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the “many things,” but Jesus calls us to focus on what truly matters—spending time with Him and nurturing relationships with loved ones.

2. Make Time for Rest
   Even though Jesus had an important mission, He often withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest (Luke 5:16). He knew that rest wasn’t a luxury but a necessity.

In the midst of the holiday busyness, we too need to step back and recharge. A quiet moment with God can bring the peace we crave amid the noise.

3. Serve with Joy, Not Obligation
   Jesus served others selflessly and joyfully, never out of guilt or pressure. As we give gifts, host gatherings, or volunteer during the holidays, let’s do so out of love rather than obligation. When our actions flow from a heart of generosity, they become meaningful acts of worship.

Practical Tips to Combat Christmas Busyness

To honor Jesus during Christmas, we must intentionally slow down and refocus. Here are some ways to simplify and bring peace into your season:

1. Create Margin in Your Schedule
   Say no to activities that don’t align with your priorities. Leave room in your calendar for quiet moments, prayer, and time with family.
2. Simplify Your Traditions
   Ask yourself: Are all your holiday traditions meaningful, or have some become burdensome? Focus on the ones that bring joy and reflect the true spirit of Christmas.
3. Practice Presence Over Perfection
   Don’t worry about having the “perfect” decorations, meals, or gifts. Instead, focus on being fully present with the people around you.
4. Start the Day with Jesus
   Begin each day with prayer or scripture reading to center your heart on Christ. The story of His birth in Luke 2 or Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7 can help reset your perspective.
5. Incorporate Acts of Kindness
   Shift the focus from to-do lists to serving others. Simple acts of kindness—helping a neighbor, writing a heartfelt note, or donating to a family in need—reflect the love of Christ. In our house we bought this manger that we set up at the beginning of the Christmas season. Every time we do an act of kindness, we put a piece of straw in the manger. The idea is that by Christmas you have filled the manger with enough straw for Jesus to lay on. It is just a simple reminder to keep kindness at the forefront of your mind during this season. 

Reclaiming the Peace of Christmas

Christmas doesn’t have to be a season of stress. It’s meant to be a time of joy, reflection, and worship. When we pause to remember that Jesus came into the world to bring us peace—peace with God, peace with others, and peace within ourselves—we can approach the season with a renewed sense of purpose.

Let’s take a step back from the busyness and sit at the feet of Jesus, like Mary did. Let’s celebrate not with hurried schedules but with grateful hearts, cherishing the quiet miracle of His birth.

Less Hustle, More Jesus

This Christmas, consider how you can replace busyness with stillness and chaos with peace. As Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

When we make room for Jesus, the season transforms from a whirlwind of tasks into a time of profound joy and connection. Let this be the Christmas where you find rest in Him—the Prince of Peace