Bible Verses to Inspire You During the Holidays
The holiday season brings with it delightful sights, smells and sounds. Between trips to Christmas tree trails and cups of hot chocolate, however, stress can sneak in. There’s no amount of holiday magic that can make responsibilities go away. That’s why it helps to take moments to breathe and remember the real reason for the season. Here are a few Bible verses that may help guide you into a brighter outlook for the holidays.
Travel Stress
"Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." — Proverbs 3:23-24
Going places for the holidays is exciting, but it can also cause a lot of stress. The more people in your traveling party, the more difficult it is to keep track and ensure everyone’s safety. Sleeping in new places can add another dimension of insecurity. However, this verse reminds us that there’s no reason to be afraid. God is always right there with you. Look to Mary and Joseph for inspiration. They trusted that God would protect them as they traveled for the Roman census.
Derailed Plans
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." — Proverbs 16:9
No matter how many lists you write, reservations you make, or reviews you read, there’s a small chance that everything will go the way you planned it. Even if it causes a headache in the short term, this isn’t always a bad thing. The world will keep turning, and your vacation will keep going until you return home. Whatever happens during your trip, it was God’s plan. Just consider how Mary and Joseph, unable to find a room in an inn, were forced to sleep in animal stalls leading up to the birth of their son.
The Joy of Christmas
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” — Matthew 2:10
Between trips to the mall and last-minute gift wrapping, it can be easy to lose focus on what Christmas is all about. While your children may just be looking forward to opening presents, you can take time to remember what you’re celebrating. It doesn’t matter if you can’t find the perfect gift or if someone skipped you in line at the coffee shop. The real joy, why the Wise Men were so excited, is that Jesus was born on Earth.
The Promise of Eternal Life
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” — 1 John 5:11
Jesus’s birth would not have been nearly as exciting without the context of eternal life. While you’re celebrating the birth of the Son of God, take time to think about why that means so much to you and your family. While the smell of cinnamon, the taste of Christmas dinner and the sounds of carols may warm your heart, there’s so much more to celebrate during this holiday season.
At our schools, students learn all about Christmas, and we celebrate with our classes before winter break begins. Our Polk Catholic schools foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. We allow students to explore their faith at school and encourage them to do the same at home. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us online.