Finding peace in Jesus this Christmas



Christmas is often spoken about as the most joyful time of the year. A season full of love, laughter, togetherness, and celebration. And while that can be true, I also think it’s important to be honest and say that for many people, Christmas can feel heavy.

For me, one of the hardest parts of Christmas has been the pressure of perfectionism. The idea that Christmas is supposed to look a certain way. From the activities we do, to how we celebrate, to the traditions we keep, it can feel like everything has to fit into this perfect, happy, joyful picture. But the reality is that not everyone’s situation allows for that.

We are still individuals living busy, full lives. As we get older and are no longer those excitable children, but adults with jobs, responsibilities, university deadlines, and expectations, Christmas can sometimes feel more overwhelming than exciting. And that doesn’t mean there is something wrong with us.

There can be pressure to feel happy. Pressure to be grateful. Pressure to show up smiling even when your heart feels tired or stretched thin. Sometimes that pressure comes from places we don’t even realise, expectations we place on ourselves or expectations we feel from others.

For some, Christmas brings family tensions to the surface. Old wounds, difficult relationships, or conversations you’d rather avoid. For others, friendships can feel strained, or loneliness feels louder than usual. There can also be financial stress, grief for loved ones who are no longer here, or simply exhaustion from trying to do and be everything all at once.

I’ve learned that struggling during Christmas doesn’t make you ungrateful, weak, or lacking faith. It makes you human.

As my faith has deepened, I’ve been learning and unlearning the true meaning of Christmas. And with that has come a real sense of comfort. Christmas is no longer about the material things, the family dramas, the expectations, or the need for everything to feel perfect. It’s about celebrating the birth of our Saviour. The One who stepped into an imperfect world as the most perfect being the world has ever known and ever will know.

Jesus didn’t come into a peaceful, picture-perfect world. He came into mess. Into brokenness. Into discomfort. And that truth brings me so much comfort. Christmas isn’t about pretending everything is okay, it’s about remembering that God chose to step into the reality of our lives exactly as they are.

Something God has been gently teaching me is that it’s okay to slow down during this season. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to set boundaries, even with family and friends, if that’s what you need to protect your heart and your peace. You don’t have to attend every event, meet every expectation, or pour from an empty cup.

If Christmas feels stressful or overwhelming for you this year, I want you to know that you’re not alone. God sees you in it. He isn’t disappointed in you for finding it hard. In fact, He draws near to us in those moments. The Bible reminds us that "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted" (Psalm 34:18), and that includes the quiet struggles we carry during this season.

Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do at Christmas is to sit quietly with God. To invite Him into the stress, the awkward conversations, the tiredness, and the overwhelm. To lay it all at His feet rather than carrying it alone. As Jesus says, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

I’m learning that peace doesn’t come from having a perfect Christmas. It comes from keeping Jesus at the centre, even when everything else feels a little off balance. Even when our circumstances don’t look the way we hoped they would.

My prayer for anyone reading this is that you would give yourself grace this Christmas. That you would release the pressure to perform or pretend. That you would allow Jesus to meet you exactly where you are and remind you that His presence is the greatest gift of all.

If this season feels heavy, may you find comfort in knowing that Emmanuel, God with us, is still very near.

Love always,

Ruby xo


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