Creative Encouragement for Crunch Time

We are just a week away from Christmas, and if you’re anything like me, you may be experiencing a little anxiety because you know the lists are long and time is short.

But instead of stressing about the things that are not yet done, might I encourage you to rest in the thing that has already been done on your behalf.

God loves you so much that He took the time to plan and prepare for the greatest gift that you will ever receive. This gift was so precious He decided to double wrap it — first in flesh and then in swaddling clothes. The gift is Himself in the form of His son, a baby who would literally change the world by offering salvation for it.

It's a mystery far beyond our comprehension, and yet the purpose behind this plan and these preparations I can literally breathe life into our plans and preparation for the week ahead.

So, make the cookies, wrap the gifts, watch the movies, sing the songs, do all the things that make Christmas special for your family, but don't do them with anxiety and stress. Do them with the rest the promise of the Messiah offers you and me.

He made a way, so we can get out of the way.

Perhaps this next week, God is calling you to a little creativity during crunch time. Let go of the rigidity of your plans, and embrace the simplicity of His.

These are three practical things I'm doing this year to encourage conversation and inspire creativity in hopes to keep Christ in Christmas and Prince of Peace on the throne of my heart.

1) Start an Family Advent Text Group

As my boys have become men and left the nest, our advent traditions have also changed throughout the years. This year, we are discussing a Chrismon ornament each day.

Our family was introduced to Chrismons by my grandmother who made several for her church Christmas tree years ago and still makes and gifts them to others today. Chrismons originated at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia in 1957 and have been adapted by churches of many denominations to be used at Christmas to remind us of God’s Son Jesus Christ. The word Chrismon is derived from “Christ Monogram.” Chrismons are religious symbols representing many aspects of the Christian faith.

So, first thing in the morning, in the group text, I send a picture of a Chrismon ornament and a short description of the symbolism of that ornament. From there, each member of the family can add thoughts, and let me tell you, the discussion has been so rich and blessed me in ways that blow me way.

Maybe your children are still under your roof, and a group text is not necessary to observe Advent. Maybe a couple weeks ago you started something for Advent with your family but haven’t been consistent with it. That’s ok. Just pick it back up today. Or start today. We’re still a week away from Christmas Day. Find a way to focus on The Way!

2) Work on a Family Christmas Puzzle

This year, from December 23 until December 28, I will have lots of family and friends in and out of my home. I decided to spend a couple bucks at the thrift store and pick up a Christmas puzzle to have on the coffee table throughout that time. My kids, their friends, and our extended family can all gather around and work on the puzzle at any given time on any given day.

My prayer is that as we work on putting the pieces of this puzzle together, God would work in our hearts to put His peace in us so that we, together, as family and friends, could better glorify Him.

Sometimes less is more. So, spend a minimal amount for maximum impact.

3) Curate a Family Christmas Playlist

This little practical idea came to me on our way home from Thanksgiving in North Carolina. Now I know, many of you start decorating and listening to Christmas music prior to Thanksgiving, but in our family, we typically wait until after Thanksgiving, so on the drive back to Pennsylvania, my husband and I started listening to Christmas music from a playlist I created and have been adding to for the past few years.

As we were listening and singing along, it dawned on me that these are all songs I love, but I also want to listen to songs my husband loves and tunes my sons and daughter-in-law enjoy, thus the reason for creating a new Family Christmas Playlist that every member can add to leading up to Christmas. Then, when we are all together eating, working on the puzzle, opening gifts, etc, we can have our collectively curated playlist providing a soundtrack for our time together.

It may feel like crunch time, but instead of stressing out to make it all happen, shift your focus to the One who made it all possible.

Look around. Cherish family. Create meaningful Advent activity or conversation. Continue the conversation around the coffee table while working on a family puzzle. Collectively curate a family playlists and watch God work His peace in your heart through it all!