Getting into the Christmas Spirit
By Nicole Brouwer | December 9th
I have a confession to make. I find it very hard to get into the Christmas spirit. It’s not that I don’t marvel at the miracle of Jesus’ birth, but I often struggle to properly appreciate the gift of the birth of our Saviour with all the other noise surrounding the season.
As the holiday season approaches, the world around us becomes a whirl of festive lights, cheerful music, and the promise of joy, but also the pressures of organizing Christmas programs and planning family events. If this feeling resonates with you, you are certainly not alone. I find myself overwhelmed by the festivities, and I really just want to sit quietly and take a moment to reflect.
I think it's essential to acknowledge that it is okay to struggle with the Christmas season. The holidays can bring feelings of loss, loneliness, or unmet expectations to the surface. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we read, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV). While Christmas is often considered a time for joy, it is important to recognize that our emotional struggles and challenges are also part of the human experience. Acknowledging our feelings honestly is the first step toward healing.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him, promising rest for our souls. The Christmas season reminds us that Christ came to meet us in our deepest pain and to offer us peace amidst turmoil. He understands our struggles and offers hope, not just in the celebration but in our daily walk. Jesus’ presence, the essence of Christmas, is not meant to be a temporary source of joy but a lasting source of comfort and strength.
The story of Christ’s birth offers a powerful reminder of how God’s presence can bring peace in the midst of chaos. In Luke 2:10-11, the angel announces to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” This announcement was made in the midst of ordinary life, in a world filled with hardship, poverty, and political unrest. Yet, the angel’s message of great joy was for all people, regardless of their circumstances.
This is why, when we are struggling to feel the joy of the season, it is essential to focus on Christ—His birth, His love, and His promise of peace. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our worries before God in prayer, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In this way, we can experience peace above our circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be.
This Christmas, rather than focusing on what we might be missing, let’s set aside a quiet moment each day to express gratitude for God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives. The very fact that Christ was born into this world—bringing light to a darkened world—is a reason for us to be thankful, regardless of our circumstances. We can choose to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, acknowledging God’s goodness in both the big and small things of life.
If you’re like me and find it hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year, remember that God’s Word offers a perspective that transcends the fleeting joy of material celebrations. True joy comes from knowing Christ, experiencing His peace, and choosing gratitude and service. Christ’s birth is a reminder that even in a broken world, there is hope, love, and the possibility of peace. This Christmas, instead of focusing on external circumstances, turn your heart toward the eternal truth of God’s love and the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. In doing so, you may discover that the Christmas spirit is not something we "get into" but something we receive and share with others.
Dr. Nicole Brouwer is the South Toronto Cohort Leader for Edvance, and the principal at North Toronto Christian School.