Don’t Be Squashed by the Christmas Snowball

Are you caught up in activities and expectations that take you away from the true meaning of Christmas?

A large snowball tumbling down a snowy slope.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (NIV)

Sometimes Christmas does not feel like the season of joy and light that it should. Sometimes Christmas feels like a giant snowball of expectations and activities that roars in the Friday after Thanksgiving and doesn’t roll out until the new year has been rung in. If we aren’t careful, it can squash us flat. I have ordered Christmas cards, purchased Christmas presents for my family, organized the advent calendar, decorated the house, bought the tree, decorated the tree, marched in a Christmas parade, and gotten Christmas packages together for our kiddos we sponsor in Africa. And I am exhausted. If you need me, I will be in bed until January.

Maybe you have also been squashed by the Christmas snowball. (I may have picked you up when I was rolling down the mountain of bills I was paying yesterday…sorry about that.) But here is the thing. Almost none of these activities that are flattening me or you are really Christmas. They are 
all the trappings we have added to Christmas.

We don’t need more parties, or decorations, or gifts, or worries, or expectations to be added to Christmas. What we really need is some grace. For ourselves and others. And we need to love people. My husband just told me that all of us need at least eight hugs a day. He read it somewhere. It sounds about right. And mostly, we need to remember Jesus. Jesus. The Savior. Emmanuel. Breath of Heaven. Redeemer. Bright and Morning Star. Friend. He loves us. There is nothing snowballish about Him. He came so that we could be free…not flattened. So breathe.

Faith Step: Repeat the names of Jesus out loud, slowly, pondering their meaning and letting the knowledge that He loves you completely penetrate your heart.

Share this story

God’s Constant Presence

Explore 40 never-published true stories of everyday miracles. Wondering if God is by your side? Find assurance in these tales of guidance and protection.

Plus 4 FREE GIFTS – Get 3 FREE Booklets and a FREE tote with any hardover or series purchase

These incredible stories will open your eyes and heart to the miracles in your own life.

  • Witness lifesaving angels with perfect timing…
  • Hear the Lord’s voice in stories of miraculous survival…
  • See the hand of God at work during tragic accidents…
  • Read stories that prove God really does have a plan for you…
Read More and Order
A Moment for Mom Right Rail

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Scroll to Top