Christmas is not the season we affiliate with rest, is it? We might call this the busiest season of all, a month well-known to deprive us rather than bless us with rest. I think that’s a problem – not because we’re busy but because we’re neglecting rest. Or rather, we’re attempting to find rest in all the wrong places.
Have you ever wondered why sometimes on a day off in December when you’ve curled in with a good book and are simply trying to take some down time, some rest, you still find yourself exhausted? I believe that’s because we’re looking for the wrong kind of rest.
There were two men who knew what corrective we need. Despite living hundreds of years ago, they understood where our rest needs to find its place.
The first man is Augustine. He memorably said, “Our hearts are restless until they can find rest in you [O Lord].”
In other words, everything that is not Christ will make us restless. Everything. Physical sleep, the absence of activity, me-time. We were created for rest, but not in anything temporal, rather, in the eternal God. Thus, when we surrender to Him, He will give us the rest we crave.
He promises. “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
The second man who knew this truth was Charles Wesley, who penned,
“Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free.
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.”
Wesley knew that the only way we would be free from life’s pressures, fears, and sins is to “find our rest in Thee.”
In his article, Finding Rest in the Merry-Thon, David Schrock expands practically on this:
“What if we spent less time doing Christmas and more time delighting in Christ? What if instead of gearing up for the marathon, we put away our running shoes and took time to rest in the boots of gospel peace? You won’t need a gift receipt for that purchase.”
December is busy, yes. But busyness doesn’t need to distract us from resting in Christ.
Delight in the Saviour. Cast your cares upon Him. Read His Word. Pray. Love. Sing. Take time to simply contemplate the Incarnation and rejoice in the beautiful sacrifice.
Christmas is for rest, resting in the eternal God – whether it was first in a rowdy stable with two teenagers and a newborn, or now, with family, friends, left-over turkey, and a still shining tree.
“Our hearts are restless until they can find rest in You.”
Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section!
There are currently 6 Comment(s)
There are currently 6 Comment(s)
Amen, Jaquelle! As someone who can get stressed by life’s demands very easily, this is a helpful article.
Thanks for the great reminder! Great post.
YES! Thanks Jaquelle!! Yep, holidays can be a stressful season :). LOVE Augustine’s quote, “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.” So true.
This is so true!! This holiday can be really stressful, but we need to focus on finding rest in Christ, not in the world.
Hey, Jaquelle, AMAZING ARTICLE!
I am also very interested in how you found out that Marry and Joseph were teenagers. That would be an awesome resource for me to use in one of my future speaking engagements.
God bless you and happy New Year!
– Trent Blake
Hey Trent, the Abeka curriculum’s book, Growing up Where Jesus Lived said, “A girl usually got married at thirteen and a boy at about eighteen.”
Hey I have that book. I think I read it around 4th grade or maybe 3rd.
Thanks, Clare! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, Trent. Thanks for your encouragement. And though there is not really one answer to your question, church tradition has held that Mary was a teenager (between thirteen and fifteen) and I’m making that assumption that Joseph was not much older. Happy New Year to you!
It really makes you think! Thank you so much Jaquelle! I don’t think everyone realizes this and I’m so glad that you shared it with the world!
You know, the two people in the right half of the picture look just like my friends: Amy and Sam. Funny, huh?
Thanks Jaquelle! You’re article reminded me of how important rest in Jesus is, and I need that right now.
Hey Eva welcome to the Rebelution! 😉
Hahahahaha, this made me laugh for a long time!!!! Thanks, man 🙂 I don’t even remember writing this comment….
Lol no problem! =) And hey I haven’t been greeted either… 😉 😉 😉 jk
Well I can fix that too 😉
Welcome to the Reb @disqus_joshwhatshislastname:disqus!!! This place is awesome!
Lol thanks! =) =)
You’re right…right behind you 🙂
Haha I bet 🙂 Thanks Sam!