3rd Week of Advent

It’s the third week of Advent and most of us are busy with Christmas preparations. While there is a lot to do, organise and think about, it’s important that we don’t forget the most important thing we are preparing for – the coming of Christ. 

As we reflect on the theme of joy this week, let us think about what it means to have a joyful Christmas. Does it mean getting the most expensive gifts? Does it mean having a tightly packed schedule on Christmas Day that leaves us feeling stressed and exhausted? Does it mean overwhelming ourselves because we want everything to be perfect?

We all know that none of these things are what make Christmas joyful, yet we can fall so easily into that trap of worrying too much about Christmas and ending up feeling stressed rather than joyful. 

If you feel under pressure this week, I invite you to take a step back and rest for a moment. Put your to-do list to the side, let go of your worries, sit in silence and connect with Christ. Pray to Him and ask Him how He wants you to celebrate Christmas. 

Perhaps He is calling you to simplify things. Perhaps He is calling you to take it slow, so that you can actually feel the joy and the connection to Him during your preparations. Perhaps He is reassuring you that it’s okay to say ‘no’ to a certain commitment that adds too much pressure. Perhaps He is reminding you that Christmas is not about perfection, but it’s about joy.

It sounds simple and obvious, but we all need that reminder sometimes. So let’s take it easy this week and keep Christ at the centre of everything we do. 

_“Rejoice in the Lord always”_– Philippians 4:4

Anna Veith