I opened up my Google Calendar today and felt like I was scrolling through Netflix because it was back-to-back episodes with not many commercial breaks! Anyone else with me? Don’t get me wrong, many of the events are exciting, from events at work to traditions with friends and family, but it can definitely be overwhelming!

I have been consciously trying to find Sabbath moments, or rest, during my weeks this year. I feel the extra need this month with Christmas approaching. I do not want to busy myself with Christmas events so much that I forget to slow down to remember and know that God loves me so much that He sent His only Son. God gave us the ultimate present in the birth of Jesus. All it takes is a pause each day to connect with God. It can be as easy as reading a verse, and what better place to see Jesus in the Old Testament?

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

This verse from Isaiah has been on my mind lately. Side note, I can’t help but hear Linus from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ when I read this verse. It is such a well-known verse but it is packed with so many amazing things. It tells us that God gave us all the most loving gift in His Son. This verse also lists names we are to know Jesus, which all hold such different powers when you read them individually. ‘Wonderful Counselor’ tells us that Jesus has wisdom beyond our understanding as humans and will guide us. ‘Mighty God’ shows the divine power that Jesus has as God’s Son. ‘Everlasting Father’ shows Jesus’ fatherly love and care for His people, all of us. ‘Prince of Peace’ tells us that Jesus wants not only peace between nations but peace within individual hearts. Jesus wants to mend relationships and bring us all calmness by following Him.

When we slow down and take a moment with even one verse of God’s Word, like I did this morning, God will reveal just what we need to hear and know. I encourage you to slow down with me this week, and in the busyness of the Christmas season, to reflect on the true reason for our celebrations and to draw near God.  

See ya in the next post, with

✝️Lots of Faith & Lil’ Bit of Fur 🐾