Last Christmas many of us had more quiet time than we wanted. Illness, staying indoors, and postponed family gatherings all contributed to spending extended time without the company of others.

For some, the solitude came as a welcome reset. A reminder to slow down and remember what’s important in life. For others, it was too much of a good thing.

We struggled through the holidays of 2020, putting a smile on our faces and making the most out of a difficult year. Then we entered 2021 with fresh hope for the year ahead, only to face great loss and even more discouragement.

So as we reflect through this Christmas season, I can’t help but feel conflicted. On one hand, I want to keep things as simple as possible, and commit to spend plenty of alone time with God. On the other hand, I’m ready to celebrate with new enthusiasm, putting the difficulties we all experienced behind us.

Whether the pandemic has given you a renewed perspective on your priorities or left you feeling discouraged and disconnected, you may also be ready this Christmas to get beyond so much pain. But in our readiness to move forward, let’s not fill up our calendars too hastily.

More than ever, we need to create quiet time this Christmas.

Why You Need Your Quiet Time This Christmas

Right now you may be thinking, “The last thing I need is to be alone. When I’m by myself, I end up thinking about all the loved ones I’ve lost recently. Grief takes over. I need to stay busy right now.”

It’s true that time alone can open us up to deep sadness over memories of what we’ve lost. And yes, staying busy can help ward off overwhelming sadness. But even in our deepest hurt, God wants to meet with us, and quiet time is the best way for us to sense His comforting presence. Peace, strength, love, and direction can all be found when we spend quiet time with our Heavenly Father.

The beauty of God’s presence is why we need more quiet time this Christmas.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

Creating More Quiet Time

It’s a challenge to find quiet time in the last month of the year. Between end-of-year doctor’s visits and unexpected issues, each morning I stare at my calendar and try to juggle things to make the most of my time. I’ve prayed and asked God to show me new ways to create more quiet time, or make the best of the time I have already.

One way to create quiet time is to choose simple rituals at home over extravagant plans.

I’ve discovered a valuable truth recently. Quiet time doesn’t necessarily mean just me and God. Quiet time can include my people, too. Coffee and conversation with my husband. Cooking pancakes for the grandkids while they sleep in. Playing with my granddog in the yard. Learning to appreciate these simple joys means so much more than trying to plan the perfect holiday! And I can say with all the sincerity in my heart, God’s presence can be felt in mighty ways when we devote these simple moments to Him.

Instead of getting frustrated over canceled plans, embrace the unexpected downtime.

Frustration is an evil foe. When my best-laid plans get canceled or postponed, I’m guilty of letting frustration take over. Soon I’m wallowing and complaining over what’s missing instead of rejoicing in the blessings of today. So when plans get canceled, (which they will from time to time,) I am choosing to see the possibilities of the quiet time left in their place. God knows when we need to celebrate, and when we need to rest in Him. We can trust that His plans— canceled or otherwise— are better than our own.

Staying Tuned in During the Time We Have

Checking off a few items on your to-do list, like wrapping presents or baking? Light your favorite candle and let the fragrance envelop the room. Doing your daily devotional reading? Step outside and feel the contrast between the crisp air and warmth of the sun. Take the kids or grandkids on a walk and ask them to name all the different sights and sounds as they explore nature. There’s something about tuning our senses into the beauty around us that lifts our spirits and brings us into deeper connection with our Creator.

Look for ways to engage your senses during your downtime and see how it draws you closer to God.

Whatever ways you decide to enhance your quiet time this season, I pray your relationship with our Lord will strengthen and grow. May you experience His presence like never before at Christmas, and as we turn the page to next year.

Have a peaceful, hopeful, and blessed Christmas season, my friend.

This time last year, panic over holiday planning took control like a boss micromanaging my every move.

I thought I’d learned to let God be in control. I thought I’d done a good job of living in the moment instead of striving for perfection, especially through the holidays. But it was December already, and somehow all the uncertainty we had been facing in 2020 caused my struggle with control to resurface.

It started innocently enough, right after Thanksgiving. Digging out Christmas decorations, deciding on the Christmas Day dinner menu, and discussing with family members who would be coming over: each task added another important item to my growing to-do list.

But as I studied the calendar for the holiday ahead, things just weren’t adding up to the perfect day I envisioned.

Maintaining Joy in a Busy Season

One day rolled into the next and I still had no idea who and how many people would be coming over. I couldn’t settle on a menu that seemed right for the different dietary needs of our guests. Would we all be there at the same time? Would everyone come-and-go according to their own schedules? Do I need to plan activities? With each passing day, I had more questions than answers.

Soon I began spiraling into a dangerous place of creating too many expectations— a place I’d been before. I felt my physical body begin to weaken. In all the planning, I’d forgotten to take care of myself like I should, and I feared I wouldn’t even be able to enjoy the blessings of the day. Was there any way to salvage the season?

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

We love that quote from Nehemiah 8:10, don’t we? It’s one we turn to often. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” What a welcome encouragement for days when joy seems out of reach! But as I look at this Scripture again, I sense its truth speaking to me in a new way. These words read aloud by Ezra the priest not only held special meaning for the Israelites returning from exile, they also hold special significance that will bring us fresh hope today.

Discovering Joy When We Feel Overwhelmed

The wall around Jerusalem had been rebuilt. God’s people returned. So much still needed to be done. In fact, most of them had no homes to live in. Yet Ezra made it known, this was no time to grieve. This was their time to celebrate. And in verse 17, we discover that they listened and obeyed God’s command to simply enjoy themselves.

“From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.” Nehemiah 8:17

I’ve always struggled with just sitting back, taking a deep breath, and enjoying myself. Resting and being present in the moment doesn’t come easy to us go-getter types. There’s just so much to do! Thankfully we have truth from God’s Word to help us press pause when we try to control every detail and end up losing our strength in the process.

How to Let the Joy of the Lord Be Our Strength

So how do I stop that overbearing boss called ‘control’ from taking over? How do I live like the joy of the Lord is my strength? By refusing to let the possibility of unmet expectations steal my joy.

This Christmas season, I refuse to let the possibility of unmet expectations steal my joy.

One reason for this tug-of-war with control is that deep inside, we want everything to turn out okay. We fear what might happen and feel guilty over letting down our people who are counting on us. But God always has abundantly more in store, if we will let Him be our joy, strength, peace, or whatever we need each moment of each day. And when we take the pressure off of ourselves to put together the perfect holiday, God will show up in miraculous ways.

In order to live like the joy of the Lord is our strength, let’s start with this prayer.

Dear Lord, I choose to simply enjoy Christmas this year. I will let your joy be my strength. I refuse to worry over plans or what could go wrong. I let go of expectations based on my own ability. Instead I will give control back to you and watch your miracles unfold. Amen.

I will always remember Christmas Day of 2020 as one of unexpected blessings and joy beyond what I could’ve hoped for. In true God-character, He showed me the beauty He can create when I allow Him to be in charge. Various family members and friends gathered in our home for laughter, conversation, and connection. We simply had fun, and I couldn’t have planned it any better myself.

So this year as we plan for Christmas, let’s remember to choose joy. Let’s rest in His goodness and take care of ourselves instead of exhausting ourselves in the details. I can’t wait to see God’s blessings as we commit to let His joy be our strength.