As the year quietly approaches its end, we are profoundly invited to pause. The nights are longer, the days quieter, and the crisp air carries a sense of stillness. This time of year, so often associated with the busyness of preparation and celebration, also offers an opportunity for reflection and rest—an intentional pursuit of introspective calm.
As the heavens declare the glory of Our Lord and Creator, we might find ourselves gazing upward, marveling at the vast expanse of stars in the December sky. The December sky, with its longer nights and clearer views, serves as a beautiful backdrop for our spiritual reflection. This sacred season beckons us to turn inward, to set aside our worries and distractions, and to rest in the peace that comes from reflecting on His Word and His promises. In these moments of reflection, we find our spiritual fulfillment as we prioritize time with our Heavenly Father.
Our Lord and Saviour speaks to this need for rest and surrender in Matthew 6:34: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” These words remind us of the futility of worry and the importance of living in the present moment. Each day in December holds enough challenges. Yet, amid these challenges, Our Lord provides the peace and rest we need when we turn to Him.
A decision to prioritize time with Our Lord stands out as profoundly countercultural in a culture that often glorifies busyness and material things. Your tendency to fill every moment with activity usually drowns out the still, small voice of Our Lord and Saviour calling you into His peace. It is okay to spend your mornings in quiet reflection. Journaling your thoughts and prayers is okay and welcomed. Pour your worries and gratitude and your heart onto each page. Read passages from scripture, allowing their truths to wash over you. If journaling is not something you are into, spend time simply sitting in silence, listening for the gentle promptings of Our Father.
A timeless truth to be reborn: proper rest is not found in the absence of activity but in communion with Our Lord. His presence is the wellspring of peace that sustains us, even amid life’s demands. In Luke 10:42, Jesus reminds us: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” These words are a powerful reminder when we prioritize time with Our Lord. The busyness of life will always be there, but the moments we spend in His presence are a treasure that endures.
Beautifully echoed in Isaiah, we find these words: “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15). The passage underscores the connection between rest, strength, quietness, and salvation. When we 'return' to Our Father, it means setting aside our striving and allowing ourselves to rest in His promises. It's about coming back to Him, finding solace in His presence, and trusting in His care. This act of 'returning' is a powerful way to find the strength to face whatever lies ahead. There is no shame in this act.
Reflection and rest are not luxuries but necessities. Our Lord designed us to need moments of stillness, times when we can step away from the noise and reconnect with Him—much like a device needs to be plugged in to recharge its battery. Without Him, we risk running out of the strength we need to carry on. Just as our bodies require physical rest to function correctly, our souls crave spiritual rest.
This rest isn’t passive; it’s an intentional choice to turn our hearts and minds toward Our Lord and Creator, trusting in His provision and care. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and more than okay to step back and find renewal in Him. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us, “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” Our longing for rest and renewal reflects the eternity Our Father has placed in our hearts—a deep desire to align with His perfect timing and purpose.
As we reflect on these truths, let us consider how to incorporate them into our lives. What areas of your life are weighed down by unnecessary busyness or worry? How might you create space for reflection and rest this weekend? It may be as simple as setting aside an hour to disconnect from distractions and focus on Our Lord. Turn off your devices, find a quiet place, and pray, journal, or silently before Him. Consider starting your day with a moment of reflection, or taking a short walk in nature to clear your mind. These small, intentional acts can make a significant difference in your spiritual well-being.
The beauty of this practice is that it brings us closer to Our Lord and equips us to approach our responsibilities with greater clarity and purpose. Let us carry with us the words of Hebrews 4:10: “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his works, as God did from his.” Embrace the invitation to reflection and rest. Let go of the burdens competing for your attention and choose the “good part” that cannot be removed. As we draw closer to celebrating Our Lord and Saviour’s birth, may your moments of introspective calm serve as a reminder of the rest and renewal He offers to all who seek Him.
This Saturday—and every day—is an opportunity to live with intentionality and quiet trust, resting in the knowledge that Our Lord holds all things in His hands. In this rest, we find peace and the strength to face whatever tomorrow may bring. May you experience His peace in abundance as you pursue reflection and rest this day and throughout this sacred season.
Share the Blessing
Thank you for spending time with us in reflection today. By recognizing Our Lord's hand in all things, both the blessings and the challenges, we can grow in faith and live with a heart full of thankfulness. If this devotional has blessed you, we encourage you to share it with others needing rest and peace. Let's continue to support one another in our pursuit of spiritual renewal by spreading the message of His peace.
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Together, let us journey toward deeper reflection and rest in Our Lord. May you walk in wisdom and light, always guided by His truth. In Jesus' name, Our Lord and Saviour.
