Unfortunately, the statement: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” doesn’t ring true for everybody. As someone who joyfully welcomes Christmas, it makes my heart hurt to know that this is a season of stress and anxiety for many people. I’m thankful for a small platform where we can share our heart on a subject that reaches so many different people during this season and in general.
How to Handle Holiday Stress
We recently heard a fantastic sermon at our church on the subject of anxiety. I’m not going to give the full outline, but the main idea is this: peace is in the Lord and our perspective should be eternal, not earthly. In Philippians 4:1-9 he tells us not to worry “because each day has enough trouble of its own” and we know that he promises to care for us. The line that I love comes from verses six and seven when he says that our response to anxiety should be prayer, and that prayer and faith in the Lord will provide peace that surpasses everything, even anxiety.
Bottom line? Anxiety happens. Stress happens. Worry happens. The holiday season tends to bring this out, unfortunately. Instead of dwelling on it, pray about it. These verses urge us to rejoice in the Lord and I feel like that’s the simplistic message of Christmas. Celebrate Him and know that the Lord has promised us amazing things and commits to care for us. The same God who brought Jesus into the world promises that he can provide for you and protect you. If that’s not cause for a celebration, I don’t know what is. This message is straightforward and uncomplicated. In a season where we can too easily forget about the true meaning and purpose, remember these truths and know that God wants us to dwell on the simplicity and perfection of his promise and his Son.
On Katherine: Boohoo sweater, Forever 21 skirt (last seen here), similar here, OTK boots, Michele watch, Prada purse
On Brandon: Nordstrom shirt, Banana Republic pants,