As Christmas approaches it seems we have to go faster and faster!

The traffic keeps getting worse. The lines in the stores keep getting longer. The calendar is full of special events, parties, and gatherings with family and friends.

Programs. Parties. Shopping trips. Baking days. Cookie swaps. Wrapping nights. Office Dinners….the list goes on and on.

The song says that we are Dreaming of a white Christmas. But in reality, most of us are dreaming of something else entirely… a Silent Night!

Our calendars become overloaded and we become overwhelmed.  Instead of enjoying the spiritual significance of the season, we find ourselves just trying to get through the rush. We rush here, hurry there…

At every turn, there are people to see, things to do, stuff to buy. The hustle and bustle of this happiest time of the year can take the holly-jolly right out of our holidays and replace it with a go go go splitting headache instead.

 In Luke 2 we meet a group of shepherds that were “on the clock” working in the fields. Suddenly when an ensemble of angels told them that Christ had been born they immediately left their work and went to find Jesus. Luke 2:16 says “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

Maybe we should do the same today. In the middle of our holiday rush and hurry and hustle and bustle, we should stop and leave our work to go find Jesus. We should slow down long enough to hurry in another direction… towards Jesus. We could be calm, quiet, and settled in Jesus’ presence.

As a result, we might discover an unrushed unhurried holiday: a season that will strengthen us spiritually instead of draining all our joy and energy.

How can we be unrushed during such a rushed and busy time of year?

In Matthew 11: 28-30 Jesus asks us to be unhurried with him.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

In Mark 4:9 and Matthew 11:15  He tells us to slow down and listen… Whoever has ears to hear, listen…“And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

In Matthew 6:27 He tells us to calm down our thoughts… “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

In Mark 4:39 he tells us Peace! Be still…”And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

In Luke 10 He tells us to stop our busy work to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His words…Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

The Lord Jesus lived by his own teaching: he was never in a hurry except to go the cross and die for us! Mark 10:32 and Luke 19:28 tell us that When His Father said it was time he turned and headed straight for Jerusalem, leading his disciples with great resolve.

If we stay yoked to Christ then our only hurry will be to listen to God and obey him

We all want to be unrushed and enjoy the holidays in God’s presence.  How can we do this?

“Abide” in God’s blessing by repeating Jesus’ words, “Peace… Be still…”

Pray “Peace Be still” over your calendar.

Pray “Peace Be still” over something you’re stressed about.

Pray “Peace Be still” for a loved one.

Pray “Peace Be still” over situations that you feel rushed.

Pray “Peace Be still” in your life and in your heart.

The parties and wrapping and baking can wait while we stop hurrying to be present with the One whom the holiday is really about.

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