Well, ready or not…Christmas is almost here. I’m sure some of you are ready for the big day and some of you need to accomplish 3 weeks of work…in the next 3 days. That’s just how life is, isn’t it? Regardless of whether or not we have our “ducks in a row”…Christmas is on the horizon.
If I had to make a guess, I’m thinking many of you are just plain tired. Life often gets so crazy this time of year and by this point, many are physically exhausted. Your to-do list might be overwhelming you because you seem to add more things that need to be done…than crossing off the things you have accomplished.
And let’s just say it like it is…some aren’t worn out physically…but mentally because they are already looking ahead to that Christmas family gathering which they dread every year. You know what I’m talking about…the one where that certain relative corners you to talk about every ache and pain they’ve had for the last year…oh it’s a fun time
Then, there is spiritual fatigue. Maybe it has been an extremely difficult 2025 and you are questioning where God has been in all of it. Maybe you feel you have tried to follow His plan for you…but you’ve hit a detour at every turn and it has given you more questions than answers…and that my friend, is tiring.
In Exodus 33:13-14, we read this conversation between Moses and the Lord: “If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”
The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
Moses wanted to understand the Lord and His ways more fully and the Lord promised him that He would be with him every step of the way and everything would be fine. He also told Moses He would give him rest. I don’t think the Lord was just talking about the fact that Moses and his people could rest once they reached the Promised Land. I think He was telling him that HIS presence would give him rest – physically, mentally and spiritually - no matter what life would throw at him…even when the events weren’t on his to-do list.
And the same is true for us. The Lord’s presence within us can give us Rest…when an unexpected detour comes our way. Rest…when our spirit feels unsettled and unsatisfied. Rest…when the world around us is in disarray. Rest…when we are apprehensive regarding our future. Rest…when our mind wants to dwell on our past. Rest…when His plans don’t concur with our plans. Rest…even when those “critical” things on our to-do list have to be left unmarked because we are just too tired. And yes…Rest even during the days leading up to Christmas.
Are you in need of rest today…physically, mentally or spiritually? The Lord promises that His presence can give you the kind of rest you need for today, tomorrow and the weeks and months to come. He knows absolutely everything about you and nothing you are going through is a surprise to Him. Today may not be the day you had planned on your calendar…but if you seek Him…He promises to walk with you every step of the way and give you rest. I can’t think of anyone better to have as your walking partner than Him.
My prayer for you this Christmas season is that you will have time to sit at the manger…filled with wonder of the babe who came to this earth for you. YOU were…and are…loved that much. Maybe, just maybe…if that is where your focus is…that dreaded family gathering won’t be near as bad as you’ve feared
Merry Christmas!
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