Guest blogger: Dawn Levene - the heart of Christmas
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6–7)
As December 25th draws near, let me encourage you: before anything else - the Christmas lists, the events - center your heart on Jesus. Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to steady your heart: “Lord, help me to keep my mind stayed on you” (Isaiah 26:3).
A passage or a quiet prayer each morning can realign the day. Make sure to keep coming back to what truly matters. Busyness often comes from trying to do everything. Peace comes from doing what is right. Ask yourself, “Where do I want to show love intentionally? What is most important this season?”
Give yourself permission to say “No.” Saying yes to everything will lead to burnout. Saying no makes space for what really matters most. Family, worship, rest, and time with God.
Small mindful moments can transform the whole season. Plan ahead. Write down tasks and take one step at a time. Protect your peace. Don't carry the emotional weight of the season. Slow your pace. Set gentle boundaries. Give yourself grace on days when you feel tired and discouraged. Perfection is not required; worship is.
Christmas is not about how much we accomplish. It's about who came to dwell among us: Jesus.
Listen more. Enjoy people. Be present in conversation. Don't rush through everything. Presence makes the season meaningful.
Allow worship to take the lead. Keep Christ at the center. Rest, remembering that even Jesus rested. It's not laziness; it's obedience and wisdom. Ask God for grace and joy.
May the Lord help us to move through this season with grace and peace and joy. May He guard our heart and help us to experience the beauty of his presence in every moment.
As December 25th draws near, let me encourage you: before anything else - the Christmas lists, the events - center your heart on Jesus. Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to steady your heart: “Lord, help me to keep my mind stayed on you” (Isaiah 26:3).
A passage or a quiet prayer each morning can realign the day. Make sure to keep coming back to what truly matters. Busyness often comes from trying to do everything. Peace comes from doing what is right. Ask yourself, “Where do I want to show love intentionally? What is most important this season?”
Give yourself permission to say “No.” Saying yes to everything will lead to burnout. Saying no makes space for what really matters most. Family, worship, rest, and time with God.
Small mindful moments can transform the whole season. Plan ahead. Write down tasks and take one step at a time. Protect your peace. Don't carry the emotional weight of the season. Slow your pace. Set gentle boundaries. Give yourself grace on days when you feel tired and discouraged. Perfection is not required; worship is.
Christmas is not about how much we accomplish. It's about who came to dwell among us: Jesus.
Listen more. Enjoy people. Be present in conversation. Don't rush through everything. Presence makes the season meaningful.
Allow worship to take the lead. Keep Christ at the center. Rest, remembering that even Jesus rested. It's not laziness; it's obedience and wisdom. Ask God for grace and joy.
May the Lord help us to move through this season with grace and peace and joy. May He guard our heart and help us to experience the beauty of his presence in every moment.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
2024
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
No Comments