Cambridge SDA Church

A CALMER CHRISTMAS  
by Creation Life  

The holiday season hits hard. No sooner has Thanksgiving passed than Christmas shopping, work parties, family gatherings and travel plans fill every available moment. Then comes New Year’s with its own set of expectations and obligations. The to-do lists multiply while energy reserves dwindle. In the middle of this seasonal whirlwind, rest often becomes the first thing we sacrifice. But rest isn’t a luxury we should try to fit in after everything else gets done. Rest is the foundation that makes everything else possible.

GOD SHOWS US THE WAY

Scripture reveals how seriously God takes rest. He built it directly into the framework of creation. After six days of creating the universe, God rested — not from exhaustion, but to establish a pattern for life. Jesus demonstrated this throughout His ministry. Crowds of desperate people sought healing. Disciples brought endless questions. Religious leaders demanded explanations. Yet Jesus regularly withdrew from it all. He climbed mountains to pray. He slept during storms. He instructed His weary followers to come away and rest. If the Son of God prioritized rest while accomplishing His world-changing mission, this principle deserves serious consideration.

REST TRANSFORMS EVERY PART OF LIFE

Rest works on three distinct levels — body, mind and spirit. Physically, rest allows the body to repair damaged cells and strengthen its natural defenses. Sleep specifically helps the immune system function properly, while periods of relaxation throughout the day lower blood pressure and release muscle tension. Mentally, rest creates space for the brain to process information and emotions. Without these breaks, concentration falters and patience wears thin. Spiritually, rest provides opportunities to step back from constant activity and reconnect with God. These quiet moments reveal perspectives that get lost in the noise of daily life. Each type of rest supports the others, creating a wholistic cycle of renewal that touches every aspect of life.

WAYS TO REST THIS MONTH

Small changes can create significant opportunities for rest without requiring a complete schedule overhaul. Here are a few simple ways to prioritize rest during the holiday rush:

• Morning Moments: Before the day’s activities begin, spend just five or ten minutes in stillness. Read Scripture, pray or simply sit quietly. Starting from a place of peace changes the entire day.
• Midday Pauses: Step away from work completely during lunch. Even a brief walk or a few minutes sitting outside can reset your body and mind for the afternoon ahead.
• Evening Boundaries: Choose a specific time each night to disconnect from devices. Let emails and notifications wait while peace of mind takes priority. This is especially important during the 1–2 hours prior to bedtime.
• Selective Participation: Every invitation doesn’t require acceptance. Saying no to certain activities creates space for rest and renewal.
• Weekly Sabbath: Set aside a day each week for genuine rest. Avoid productivity-focused tasks and instead engage in relational activities that truly refresh and restore.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING

Rest isn’t weakness or selfishness. Rest is wisdom in action. It’s choosing long-term wellbeing over short-term productivity. It’s recognizing that exhaustion serves no one. The holiday season offers many gifts, but perhaps none is more valuable than the gift of rest — for body, mind and spirit. This holiday season can be different. Instead of arriving in January depleted and desperate for relief, enter the new year refreshed and renewed. Make rest a priority rather than an afterthought and watch how it transforms not just the holidays but your capacity to embrace all the joy and wonder this sacred season holds.