Finding Joy at the Feet of Jesus: A Reflective Call to a Merry, Meaningful Christmas
The glimmering lights, festive music, and scents of gingerbread often promise a season of joy, but for many, Christmas has become a time of exhaustion and stress. As the holiday countdown begins, some are dreading what should be a season of celebration, burdened by an overwhelming to-do list that leaves little room for joy. Decorating, shopping, cooking, hosting—it’s a frantic rush that can leave our spirits frazzled, even as we try to create magic for others.
Licensed professional counselor Debra Fileta, author of Soul Care, pinpoints a silent epidemic that plagues many caregivers and people-pleasers during this season: burnout.
“I think people-pleasers struggle the most during this time of year,” Fileta shared with CBN News. “They have so many things to be responsible for, so many people to try and make happy.”
And therein lies the crux of the issue—our relentless drive to “do it all” often leads us to miss the heart of Christmas altogether. According to Fileta, we overextend ourselves, driven by good intentions, but lose sight of what God has truly called us to embrace.
From Martha’s Hustle to Mary’s Rest
For those feeling the pressure to deliver the “perfect Christmas,” Fileta invites us to revisit a timeless biblical story: Martha and Mary. Martha was busy preparing and serving, while Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus. It was Mary’s choice to simply be present that Jesus praised as the “one thing needed.”
“This is the good thing you have chosen,” Jesus told Mary.
The same lesson holds true for us. Instead of hustling to check every box on our holiday agenda, we’re called to prioritize what truly matters: savoring our relationship with Jesus.
Pause, Rest, and Reflect
The chaos of Christmas preparations can often lead us to neglect the very thing that replenishes our souls: rest. Jesus himself modeled a life of intentional rest. Fileta reminds us how Jesus would regularly withdraw from the crowds to spend quiet time with the Father, drawing a protective circle around His energy levels.
“He wasn’t in a hurry,” Fileta reflects. “He paced himself. Many times, the Bible talks about how he was wearied with his journey and stopped to rest.”
One of her favorite examples is found in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus rests in the middle of a storm, taking a nap on a boat. It’s a striking image—a Savior who isn’t rushing but resting, even amidst the chaos.
This Christmas, we too can follow His example by carving out intentional time for rest. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for our well-being. When we slow down, we make space for God’s peace to fill the emptiness left by the holiday hustle.
Practicing Gratitude and Mindfulness
Another transformative practice to cultivate joy this Christmas is gratitude. How often do we pause to simply say thank you? Fileta suggests taking time to recognize the blessings right in front of us—the gifts of today.
“Call out the things that God has given us to enjoy in this moment, rather than being distracted by what’s next,” she says.
Gratitude naturally leads to mindfulness, which Fileta describes as being fully present. She recommends a simple, five-minute exercise: engage each of your senses—notice the sounds, smells, sights, and sensations around you. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa or watching snow fall, let yourself be anchored in the now.
Less Stress, More Joy
While scaling back on holiday commitments or saying “no” might not be easy, these intentional choices create room for greater joy. They also have the added benefit of improving our physical health, as lower stress levels translate into a stronger immune system—something worth celebrating in itself!
As we approach Christmas, let’s reflect on what really makes the season merry. Is it perfectly wrapped gifts or perfectly decorated trees? Or is it the quiet joy of knowing our Savior, who came into the world to bring peace, not pressure?
This year, let’s trade busyness for stillness, anxiety for gratitude, and exhaustion for a sense of wonder. At the feet of Jesus, we’ll find what our hearts are truly longing for—a joy that lasts beyond the season.
