Adapted from: 2024 McKinney Christmas by Dr. Sam Holm
Finding Rest in the Midst of Christmas Chaos
As Christmas approaches, many of us feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. The hustle and bustle of the season can leave us more exhausted than joyful. But amidst the chaos, there’s a promise of rest waiting for us—a deep, soul-refreshing rest that only Jesus can offer. In our recent sermon, we explored this incredible gift that Jesus extends to all who are weary and burdened. Let’s dive into how you can embrace this rest and find peace this Christmas season.
The Gift of Rest
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us with open arms, saying, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This isn’t just about taking a break from your busy schedule; it’s about finding a profound rest for your soul. Imagine a rest that goes beyond physical relaxation—a rest that rejuvenates your spirit and brings peace to your heart.
Many of us are caught up in the whirlwind of creating the perfect Christmas. We strive for beautifully decorated homes, perfectly wrapped gifts, and flawless holiday gatherings. But in the pursuit of perfection, we often find ourselves worn out and stressed. Jesus offers a different kind of rest, one that doesn’t depend on our circumstances but is rooted in His love and grace.
How to Embrace This Rest
1. Turn to Jesus: The first step in finding this rest is to come to Jesus. It’s about turning away from the pressures of the world and turning towards Him. This act of turning, or repentance, is a simple yet profound step. It’s about acknowledging that we can’t do it all on our own and that we need His help.
2. Believe in His Promise: Trust that Jesus’ promise of rest is real. He lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again to offer us this gift. Believing in His promise means letting go of our burdens and trusting Him to carry them for us.
3. Follow His Lead: Jesus invites us to learn from Him and take His yoke upon us. This means living life His way, embracing His teachings, and finding rest in His presence. It’s about spending time with Him, whether through prayer, reading the Bible, or simply being still in His presence.
Why This Matters
Finding rest in Jesus isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about experiencing a transformation in your life. When you embrace His rest, you’ll find that your perspective changes. You’ll begin to see the world through His eyes, and the things that once overwhelmed you will start to lose their power. This rest is a gift that keeps on giving, bringing peace and joy not just during the Christmas season but throughout the year.
Taking the Next Step
So, what will you do this week to embrace the rest that Jesus offers? Will you take a moment to turn to Him, believe in His promise, and follow His lead? Without taking this step, you might miss out on the peace and joy that He wants to give you. Remember, this isn’t about adding more to your to-do list; it’s about finding true rest in Him.
Conclusion
The Christmas season is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. Yet, it can also be a time of stress and exhaustion. Jesus offers us a way to find rest amidst the chaos. By turning to Him, believing in His promises, and following His lead, we can experience a profound peace that transforms our lives. This Christmas, let’s embrace the rest that Jesus offers and find true joy in His presence.
The Gift of Rest
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us with open arms, saying, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This isn’t just about taking a break from your busy schedule; it’s about finding a profound rest for your soul. Imagine a rest that goes beyond physical relaxation—a rest that rejuvenates your spirit and brings peace to your heart.
Many of us are caught up in the whirlwind of creating the perfect Christmas. We strive for beautifully decorated homes, perfectly wrapped gifts, and flawless holiday gatherings. But in the pursuit of perfection, we often find ourselves worn out and stressed. Jesus offers a different kind of rest, one that doesn’t depend on our circumstances but is rooted in His love and grace.
How to Embrace This Rest
1. Turn to Jesus: The first step in finding this rest is to come to Jesus. It’s about turning away from the pressures of the world and turning towards Him. This act of turning, or repentance, is a simple yet profound step. It’s about acknowledging that we can’t do it all on our own and that we need His help.
2. Believe in His Promise: Trust that Jesus’ promise of rest is real. He lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again to offer us this gift. Believing in His promise means letting go of our burdens and trusting Him to carry them for us.
3. Follow His Lead: Jesus invites us to learn from Him and take His yoke upon us. This means living life His way, embracing His teachings, and finding rest in His presence. It’s about spending time with Him, whether through prayer, reading the Bible, or simply being still in His presence.
Why This Matters
Finding rest in Jesus isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about experiencing a transformation in your life. When you embrace His rest, you’ll find that your perspective changes. You’ll begin to see the world through His eyes, and the things that once overwhelmed you will start to lose their power. This rest is a gift that keeps on giving, bringing peace and joy not just during the Christmas season but throughout the year.
Taking the Next Step
So, what will you do this week to embrace the rest that Jesus offers? Will you take a moment to turn to Him, believe in His promise, and follow His lead? Without taking this step, you might miss out on the peace and joy that He wants to give you. Remember, this isn’t about adding more to your to-do list; it’s about finding true rest in Him.
Conclusion
The Christmas season is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. Yet, it can also be a time of stress and exhaustion. Jesus offers us a way to find rest amidst the chaos. By turning to Him, believing in His promises, and following His lead, we can experience a profound peace that transforms our lives. This Christmas, let’s embrace the rest that Jesus offers and find true joy in His presence.
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