Feeling overwhelmed by the season’s rush? This faith-filled guide offers five gentle, Scripture-rooted practices to help you celebrate with peace, purpose, and joy.
Worry. Hurry. Traffic. Presents. Shopping. Tree. Food. Kids. Money. More food. Family. Parties. And yes—still more food.
Just thinking about it all can feel overwhelming. But God never intended the celebration of His Son’s birthday to be anything but joyful. The busyness of the season doesn’t have to consume us or cause undue stress.
With an uncluttered mind, a happy heart, and a joyful spirit, we can embrace this time of year with peace.
Here are five faith-filled practices to help you navigate the season with intention and grace.
The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Jesus with these words: “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.” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)
Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. In Matthew 6, He reminds us not to worry about money, clothing, or shelter. If God cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, how much more will He care for us?
This Christmas, let’s not allow guilt, shame, or commercial pressure to shape how we celebrate, especially when it comes to gift-giving. Instead, seek the guidance of the Wonderful Counselor! Pray over each beloved friend and family member. Trust that God will lead you to the most meaningful way to honor His birth with every person on your list.
Nobody does peace like Jesus. “For He Himself is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:14)
The holidays can stir up melancholy... memories of celebrations that no longer look the same. For many, it’s also a time of grief and longing for loved ones who are no longer with us.
In those moments, Jesus is the One to seek. If all you want for the holidays is peace and quiet, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Your Heavenly Father understands. His peace can reign in our homes and hearts this season, if we turn to the One who came as the Prince of Peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27)
Slow down. Breathe deep. Let the sights, sounds, and scents of the season awaken joy. Peppermint, cinnamon, pine—these fragrances aren’t just festive; they can help clear the mind, boost focus, and even stir memory. A peppermint candy cane in your morning tea might be just the invigorating lift you need.
Were you so busy last year that you barely remember Thanksgiving or Christmas? Let this year be different. Light a candle. Diffuse a favorite oil. Let the music, the twinkling lights, and the quiet moments draw you into wonder.
Make the decision now: no overscheduling. No rushing. Just savoring. Rediscover the simple joys of Christmas by keeping it meaningful.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7)
The average American gains 3 to 7 pounds over the holidays, and with that comes food worry, even food fear. But we are not called to be average. We are called to live with intention, wisdom, and grace.
Boundaries are not punishments; they’re protective lines we draw for our well-being. Here are a few gentle, practical boundaries to help you enjoy the season without regret:
1. Enjoy your favorite holiday foods but keep portions reasonable.
2. Avoid going back for seconds. (That’s a challenging one!)
3. If you get off track, don’t let the enemy shame you into giving up. Reset with grace.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Explore the connection between faith and health to live intentionally.
The story of Jesus’ birth is more than tradition; it’s the heartbeat of Christmas. The miracle of the incarnation has inspired carols, poetry, and generations of worship. And it’s a source of deep peace and purpose.
Studies show that engaging with Scripture can reduce anxiety, increase hope, and improve mental and physical health. But beyond the research, we know this: God’s Word is living and active. It speaks peace into our chaos and joy into our weariness.
Here’s a simple way to stay rooted in the miracle of Christ’s coming:
Spend five days on each, starting in early December. Pray through them. Reflect. Revisit. Let the Word dwell richly in you.
The Visitors – Luke 2:8–20; Matthew 2:1–12
The Long Expected – Luke 2:22–35
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
These five practices: seeking the Wonderful Counselor, asking for peace, savoring the season, setting boundaries, and revisiting the incarnation, can help you navigate the stress, worry, hurry, and everything else that may come your way.
However, if you seem to be struggling a bit more beyond the typical holiday-induced stress and doldrums, know that it’s OK to reach out and ask for help. Sometimes, it helps to just talk things through with a trusted friend or loved one. And sometimes, you may need to speak with a trained counselor who can guide you and equip you with some coping strategies.
Virtual mental health counseling is available to Medi-Share members via DialCare tele-behavioral health. This is a great benefit to our community that members may not realize is an option. Help is always just a phone call or a few clicks away. You’ll find the link for scheduling with a counselor on your Member Center.
Whether meditating on Scripture, talking with a trusted friend, or reaching out for that extra help when needed, let this be the year you celebrate with an uncluttered mind, a happy heart, and a joyful spirit.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” (Romans 15:13)