I’ve shored myself in tonight for something I’ve looked forward to for a month and a half.

For my birthday, my husband got me a personal retreat. And the timing is pitch-perfect. (Well, save the fact that my body seems to have been anticipating the drop of adrenaline, welcoming in a cold.)

I bought myself a tray of sushi worthy of my craving. I packed a candle, and those sinister-looking tools that ultimately should make my feet look like girl feet again. When this laptop closes, folks, I am snuggling into a Sabbath.

But aside from my feet–my goal is to simply be and think and pray. I may not see another human being. (Bonus: I may not clean up after another one, either.)

“My heart is so tired”

It was sometime last week that the phrase My heart is so tired floated through my head.

And at last, I don’t have to shelve that temporarily. I will feed it with hot tea and Jesus.

Because sometimes the Christmas hoopla fails to draw me into deeper worship, reflection, appreciation of God. Sometimes I get so hyped up with creating the magic, the party–I miss the Birthday Boy. (You might resonate with Tired-Mom Advent: The Most Wonderful Time of the Stinkin’ Year.)

So for the two of us, here’s a list for reflection and journaling in those quiet moments after the kids have gone to bed, maybe with a cup of that tea, to center in on the real Christmas.

And where we’d be without it.

(I’ve made it printable for you to stuff in the cover of your journal, or to distribute in small groups and churches).

1. Meditate on one name of God

from the Christmas story or prophecies, writing and praying about why it’s meaningful to you right now: God with us. Savior. Desire of Nations. Messiah. Jesus (literally, The Lord Saves). Branch; Root of Jesse. King. Wonderful Counselor.

2. Do I identify more with Mary’s faith,

or Zechariah’s doubt right now? Why?

3. Upon reflection, which character in the Christmas story

do I most identify with this year? Why?

4. A people walking in darkness have seen a great light.

How am I most witnessing God’s illuminating light in my life, or how have I seen it this year? Where do I crave it right now?

5. And the government shall be upon His shoulders.

What do I need to entrust to God’s government right now? What about His future government do I look forward to? (Read more in Isaiah 9:1-7.)

6. And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

… And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)

How do I sense—and sense my need for—God in these identities of His right now? (Pick one or two of these names, asking God to show Himself in this way through situations sticking in your brain right now.)

7. Luke 1:38: Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. 

What emotions do these words of Mary stir in me upon reflection? What situation does it bring to mind in my own life? Do I need God to create this response in me right now?

8. Acts 10:38: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.

He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. What areas of my life hunger for God’s goodness, healing, and freedom right now? Who do I know that needs those this Christmas? (Spend time praying for them, and for what it would look like to love them well right now.)

9. Micah 5:2: But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little

to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

God seems to love repeating this theme in Scripture over and over—surprising us with the significant emerging from the insignificant, wisdom from what is foolish, strength out of weakness, beauty from ashes, life from death.

• Where do I see this in the Bible?
• What does this look like in my life?
• How does it give me hope?

10. Check out Isaiah 61:1-4.

Copy or underline phrases that stick out to you; make a list of characteristics of Jesus you find in this passage for reflection.

• Consider how those resonate with you, and what they radiate about God.
• How do you see these themes in the life of Jesus—and elsewhere in the Bible?
• How can you live out these elements of God’s character?

11. Create a running list of gifts from God to you and those you love this year;

of ways He’s reminded you you’re written on His hands. (This is a great way to reflect in preparation for the New Year, too.)

12. What characteristic do you admire in the characters of the Christmas story?

Examples:

• I love Mary’s courage and singularity of heart, bravely choosing God’s will despite that it would likely “ruin” her idea of a peaceful marriage and existence in her community, and alter the rest of her life.
• I admire Joseph’s quiet perseverance in doing the right thing.
• I’m fascinated by the Magi’s willingness to pursue God over great lengths and extravagant cost, presumably based only on faith in prophecy and a supernatural star.

Like this post? You might like

• 9 Practical Ways to Savor the Christ in Your Christmas
• 10 Questions to Take Your Relationship with God Deeper, Set #1