by Mark Entzminger/ December 21, 2015
Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone, but especially for church leaders. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, along with planning various events and outreach activities, it can be difficult to actually enjoy the season.
If we truly want to enjoy the holidays, we must be intentional about building in time for rest. Today, I wanted to highlight three different areas we should focus on when it comes to slowing down this holiday season.
Three Areas to Intentionally Build in Rest this Season
If you want to maximize the gift of the holidays, here are three areas to intentionally assess and build rest into your routine:
1. Spiritual Rest
During Christmas, many kids’ ministry leaders are running a thousand miles an hour, producing various events and outreach activities to help kids experience the joy and generosity of the season. In the midst of all the planning, it can be difficult for the truths and lessons of Scripture to actually sink in.
This year, take some time to build in spiritual rest. Build in specific time in your calendar to sit with God and enjoy the fact that Jesus came down to rescue us from death and the constant pursuit of trying to find significance in this life. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a fresh perspective on the Christmas story.
2. Relational Rest
It’s also important to take time to rest and recharge relationally during the holidays. Be intentional with the time you spend with family, especially your immediate family. Oftentimes, pastor’s wives and kids can feel neglected in the midst of all the ministry activities during the holidays.
Take time this year to enjoy your family. Thank God for the gift they are in your life. Be present every minute you’re with your family. All of these things are essential for relationally recharging this time of year.
3. Emotional Rest
This week is not only physically draining for church leaders, it’s also emotionally draining. After putting a ton of emphasis and energy into your Christmas activities, it’s easy to feel drained by the end of the week.
Set aside time in your calendar to rest and recharge emotionally. Find activities that fuel your spirit and spend time enjoying those activities.
My hope is that you will be able to find time to rest and recharge this week. While there’s important work to be done, creating intentional time for rest might be one of the most valuable things you do for the longevity of your ministry this week.
What are some ways you intentionally build in rest during the Christmas season?
