Part Two of our Christmas Survival Series

In our previous post, we explored 11 practical ways to find peace this Christmas, from being present in connections to practicing generous living. Now, let’s deepen our journey by exploring the spiritual gifts Jesus offers during this season…

What if every Christmas decoration in your home could be more than just festive—what if each one could be a daily reminder of Jesus’s presence in your life? Not presents wrapped in paper, but gifts of the heart that transform our holiday experience…

As we talked about in part one of this series, Christmas comes with so much noise—the bustle of shopping, the pressure to meet expectations, the never-ending to-do list. There is a way forward, and while our first discussion focused on practical steps for peace, today we’re exploring the deeper gifts Jesus offers during this season.

But the first Christmas? It was quiet. A baby’s cry in the stillness of the night. A star piercing the darkness. The simplicity of a manger. That’s the gift we’re invited to receive this season—the gifts that only Jesus can offer.

Reflecting on Jesus’ Gifts

This year, I took a moment to reflect on what Jesus is offering me this Christmas. I realized how often I let the world’s demands overshadow the peace and joy the meaningful gifts He wants to give you, and give me.

As I journaled, these contrasts emerged, each paired with a symbol of the season.

Let them be gentle invitations to pause, consider, and receive. Which will you pick up or put down this season?

1. Love vs. Indifference

Symbol: Christmas lights

Love untangles the knots in our hearts and illuminates the dark places. Jesus offers us His steadfast, perfect love to replace the indifference that creeps in.

Pause to Notice: Where do you need His love to shine today?

2. Joy vs. Fleeting Happiness

Symbol: Broken ornaments

Happiness comes and goes, but Jesus’ joy can be a constant and never breaks. It can be source for us in the most trying of times.

3. Peace vs. Chaos

Symbol: Wrapping paper

Chaos tears like cheap wrapping paper , but Jesus’ peace wraps around us like a protective embrace.

This gift of peace works hand-in-hand with the mindful presence we discussed in our previous post. While practicing pause and breath helps us physically slow down, Jesus’s peace transforms those moments into genuine rest.

4. Patience vs. Hurry

Symbol: Advent calendars

Jesus’ patience reminds us that waiting can be beautiful, just like the unfolding of an advent calendar. Often the things that are worthwhile, are worth waiting for – and I find I appreciate them a whole lot more too! How about you?

5. Kindness vs. Unkindness

Symbol: Stockings

I don’t need to convince you of the presence of mean spirited or stretched capacities during the season. Stockings hung with care remind us of the kindness Jesus shows us, encouraging us to extend it to others. The more I put into our children’s stockings, the longer the stockings become! lol. The capacity increases, as do we, as we show kindness to others, and ourselves.

6. Goodness vs. Compromise

Symbol: Nativity scenes

It is easy to succumb to the compromises during the Christmas season. Nativity scenes remind us of Jesus’ perfect goodness, which calls us to reflect His light and choose integrity over compromise. Let’s ensure that we remain steadfast about those things that truly matter to His heart. Focus on things such as these, Philippians 4:8 reminds us of these: “..whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

7. Faithfulness vs. Falsehood

Symbol: Stars

The star of Bethlehem reminds us of Jesus’ unwavering faithfulness, guiding us through life’s uncertainties. As I stand out under the stars late at night, I can’t help but be in AWE of the unwavering nature of God. The star on top of your tree, or in the night sky, positions us to remember God’s faithfulness that His promises are sturdy and stand the test of time.

8. Gentleness vs. Harshness

Symbol: Soft candlelight

Jesus’ gentleness soothes our souls, leading us with compassion rather than harsh demands. The gentle flickering of candlelight will always remind me of a safe and kind place to land – like Jesus as The Light – it invites me to come a little closer – I pray it does you too.

9. Self-Control vs. Indulgence

Symbol: Christmas feasts

Self-Control vs. Indulgence Symbol: Christmas feasts

Feasts can tempt us to overindulge, but Jesus teaches us the joy of savoring without excess, balancing celebration with discipline. While Christmas treats (like my friend’s irresistible caramel fudge!) are delightful, true enjoyment often comes from mindful moderation. Interestingly, ‘self-control’ in its original translation is better understood as ‘Spirit-control’ – shifting our perspective from restriction to divine guidance in all our celebrations.

Each of these contrasts speaks to what He knows we need most, especially when the season tempts us to chase after the wrong things. Instead of striving, we’re invited to sit at His feet and receive.

From Symbols to Reality: My Journey

Let’s get real…

This past week has held many opportunities to engage with what Jesus offers me. The symbols of Christmas are changing for me, and maybe they are for you too.

I used to spend hours decorating my home, baking over a hot stove for days on end, buying gifts for everyone in our lives – it was intense. I was often cranky, stretched beyond capacity and emotional, as it all felt too much.

What a difference Christmas is when we celebrate in the ways Jesus offers us.

I don’t know about you, but as I get older, I find myself desiring more of the intangibles, those things that truly MEAN something important. Those things that draw peace near, and give purpose beyond anything else offered.

The Hope of Christmas

I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: thankfully, Jesus didn’t stay the baby in the manger – NO – although He held each of these characteristics at His birth.

I now have access to every one of these gifts, at any given time. Yes, this is the HOPE of Christmas. This is part of what Jesus offers anyone who wants this free and life-giving gift – which all began at His birth.

In daily life it means I have choice in every situation in how I respond. I respond rather than react – and I do this by drawing from God’s presence and source of all these qualities above. I don’t need to draw from my own stores, but rely upon His – and the good news is, His stores never run dry.

Making It Personal: Your Invitation

This Week’s Simple Practice:

1. Choose one symbol from your Christmas decorations
2. Place it where you’ll see it daily
3. Let it remind you of Jesus’s corresponding gift
4. Notice how this awareness changes your responses

Pause to Reflect: Which gift from Jesus do you most need this Christmas season?

This Christmas, let’s tune our hearts to His gifts. Look for the moments when the tangle of lights reminds you of His love or when the soft glow of a candle calls you into His gentleness. These simple symbols point us back to the greatest gift of all: Him.

So, what gift is Jesus offering you this Christmas? Let’s unwrap it together, one quiet moment at a time.

Looking for practical ways to create space for these gifts? Don’t miss Part One of our Christmas Journey, where we explore simple steps to find peace in the holiday season.

You can check it out here: https://karenbrough.com/christmas-survival-series-11-tips-to-finding-peace/

Much love and God bless you this Christmas with more of those gifts that matter most!

Karen

xxxxx

If your hunger for all things Christmas Inspiration isn’t satisfied, please check out these Christmas blogs written by a few wonderful writer friends!

https://www.susanbarneswriter.com/synchroblog-christmas-reminds-us-that-change-is-possible/

Did someone say Christmas songs by Nola Lorraine (https://www.nolalorraine.com.au/did-someone-say-christmas-songs/)

Because we know by Dienece Darling (https://www.dienecedarling.com/post/because-we-know)