What If We Slowed Down This Christmas?
The Value of Slowing Down
The holidays are known for being a hectic time filled with parties, shopping, baking, and more. Our schedules overflow as we rush from one event or task to another. Rarely do we pause to catch our breath, much less reflect on the reason for the season.
What would it look like to slow down this holiday season? How might a more thoughtful pace allow us to see God and others more clearly?
The Story of Zechariah
In the biblical Christmas story, there is a man named Zechariah who was forced to be still and silent for a period of months. Zechariah was a priest burning incense in the temple when an angel appeared telling him that his elderly, barren wife would miraculously bear a son. Stunned by the news, Zechariah doubted and questioned the angel. As a result, the angel took away Zechariah’s ability to speak until the child was born.
No doubt this period was challenging, confusing, and frustrating at times for Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. Yet perhaps it was in the stillness of those months that Zechariah was finally able to embrace the promise fully. When Zechariah regained his speech after his son’s birth, Scripture says “he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied…” (Luke 1:67). Zechariah erupted in a glorious song of praise for the long-awaited Savior soon to come, seeing the stupendous significance of it all.
What Might We See in the Stillness?
I wonder what we may see, hear from God, or understand more deeply if we incorporated more stillness and quiet this holiday season or on a regular basis. Our lives often feel so full and busy, crowded by media noise and devices buzzing for our attention. When do we pause to listen for God’s voice?
Times of forced stillness or solitude may catch us off guard at first. But by leaning into these spaces, we may find the relief our spirits have been craving. As we quiet our souls, minds, and bodies, we make room for God to meet us and realign our perspectives.
In the silence, we may notice the weariness in a loved one’s eyes or the limp they still carry from an old injury. We may feel the restlessness brewing in our own souls, becoming aware of unnamed longings or sorrows that have gone unchecked. God’s loving care and presence is what our spirits truly need.
By slowing down, we allow space for more authentic, thoughtful conversations where people feel heard and seen. We can move past the reflexive “I’m good, I’m busy” response and give sincere updates from the heart. This opens the door for divine appointments where someone desperately needed to know they are not alone.
After months without words, Zechariah came out of the silence with a song of praise, taking God at His word in new ways. Perhaps we too would emerge from intentional stillness with fresh vision for what God is doing and renewed joy.
The Promise that Changes Everything
Part of Zechariah’s song declares: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them…to rescue us from the hand of our enemies…to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” (Luke 1:68, 74-75)
These words remind us of the core promise that makes Christmas good news of great joy. God saw mankind’s struggle under the weight of sin, shame, and enemy attack. Though He felt far away at times when His people cried out for a new word or visitation from Him, God had not abandoned them.
And so in His mercy and love, God entered into the chaos and darkness of this world through sending His Son Jesus. He purchased our forgiveness on the cross, removing our guilt and fear. All who believe can know rescue, redemption, and the ability to walk freely with Him again.
Yet so often in the rush of holiday festivities, we overlook this beautiful gift that meets our deepest needs. We try to manufacture our own joy through parties and presents. We fail to slow down long enough to consider the restlessness brewing underneath the surface of our souls.
What would it mean to truly take God at His word, as Zechariah did, concerning His love and redemption this holiday season? To own in our hearts this promise that changes everything? Rather than speeding faster, could we slow down and savor the miracle of Emmanuel – God with Us?
May the God of great joy fill our hearts with praise this Christmas. As we reflect on God coming near, would He meet us in the stillness with fresh vision for all He is doing?