The Gift of Christmas: Rest, Joy, Peace, and Love
Self-Care Saturday
Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope you are enjoying the season. Are you ready for next week? Has life been crazy and stressful?
On this self-care Saturday, let’s take a moment to rest and think about the reason for the season and some of His wonderful gifts to us. This is meant for 4 days before Christmas. If you like journaling, I’ve added some prompts on which to reflect.
Day 1: God’s Gift of Rest
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
God will give you rest when you are weary and exhausted just like He did for Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. When your life is hectic, and you’re stressed out, remember His invitation to rest. We can find the strength to keep going when we stop, rest, and embrace His peace.
Journaling Prompts:
What burdens am I carrying this season that I can lay before God?
What does rest mean to me, and how can I intentionally embrace it today?
Christmas Activity:
Sit by the Christmas tree and light a candle and take a quiet moment out of your day to think about the nativity scene and imagine what it would be like to be there beside Mary and Joseph.
Self-Care:
Take time out of your day to rest and enjoy the stillness. Pray: "Lord, I give You my worries and tasks. Help me rest in Your peace."
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the rest I have in You. Help me to trust You with my responsibilities and find peace even in busy moments. Amen.
Day 2: Joy in the Journey
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'" Luke 2:10
The shepherds were chosen to hear the good news. This brought them great joy. We can experience the same joy when we embrace God’s presence in our lives even though our lives are far from perfect. One of my favorite verses is Luke 2:19 that tells us that Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. I hope that you have time this season to look for moments of joy and savor them.
Journaling Prompts:
What brings me joy during the Christmas season?
How can I share God’s joy with someone else today?
Christmas Activity:
Bake Christmas cookies while listening to Christmas music. You might look for a new Christmas album you haven’t heard yet. I really want Jimmy Falon’s Holiday Seasonings.
Self-Care:
Write down three simple things that bring you joy and do one of them. Like a hot beverage, a walk outside or watching a Christmas movie.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of joy in my life. Help me to see Your blessings around me and share that joy with others. Amen.
Day 3: The Gift of Peace
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." Luke 2:14
The peace of God is a gift to us that is available even amidst the chaos. Philippians 4:6 tells us to not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Many times, we forget that this is available to us all the time, even when we are the busiest.
Journaling Prompt:
Where in my life do I need God’s peace most right now?
How can I create moments of peace during the holiday season?
Christmas Activity:
Take a walk or drive to look at Christmas lights and think about how Jesus brings peace to the world.
Self-Care:
Take a warm calming bath with Epsom salts, milk, and herbs. While soaking, meditate on Luke 2:14 and repeat: "God’s peace is with me."
Prayer:
Prince of Peace, fill my heart with Your calm. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that Your peace surpasses all understanding. Amen.
Day 4: Love Came Down
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son." John 3:16
At the center of Christmas is God’s love for us. This season may we purposefully love and care for others as a reflection of the love He showed us when He gave His son for us. Let us embrace his love for us this Christmas season and let it fill our hearts.
Journaling Prompt:
How has God shown His love in my life this year?
How can I reflect that love in the way I treat myself and others?
Christmas Activity:
Write God a thank-you note expressing thankfulness for His love and the blessings of the Christmas season. Keep it in your Bible or a journal as a reminder of His love.
Self-Care:
Take time for an act of kindness for yourself, like giving yourself a gift—a book, a bath product, or quiet time to rest.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your unfailing love. Help me to see myself as You see me and to share Your love with those around me. Amen.
Additional Scripture Cross-References:
Isaiah 9:6 – "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Psalm 16:11 – "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."
Philippians 4:7 – "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
If you enjoyed the journaling and self-care this week, you might enjoy my winter workshop:
