Dear Tired Mama,

You’ve decked the halls and braved the malls . . . you’ve counted down with Bible verses and magical moments . . . you’ve planned and prepped and perhaps even packed the car with more stuff than anyone should need for 5 days with family a few states away. Maybe you still need to wrap the gifts and maybe you’ve got a feast or two to make but can I give you permission right now?

Relax. Grab a cup of tea or hot cocoa and put your holiday sock’d feet up on the coffee table. Pop in your favorite Christmas movie (the one that makes YOU smile) and enjoy an hour or two of rest. You’ve done just about all you can do at this point. The only priority left on your to-do list is self-care.

So often we fall into the trap of making Christmas magical for our loved ones that it becomes a begrudged chore for ourselves. We miss out on all the wonder while we package it up and deliver it to our children and husbands and neighbors. But you can grab hold of the beauty of Christmas for YOU, it’s not too late.

Sit and read the Christmas story to yourself. Soak in the miracle you are about to celebrate. Invite the guest of honor to your table for a pre-party chat. I can promise you a few moments used to fill up your heart will pour out into the atmosphere of your family this week and overshadow any practical preparations you could have otherwise made in that time.

He is calling us mamas, to be a larger part of the miracle this year. More than fancy decorations or delicious food or perfect presents . . . He is calling us to fill our souls with His presence and in turn, be His hands and feet as we lead our families to do the same. He wants us to fully enjoy Christmas and if we are willing to take care of ourselves, He’ll take care of the rest. 

We can respond as Mary did . . . with a posture bent towards the Father, ready to receive His blessing. If you just slow down long enough to sit and rest, I know He’ll meet your weariness with a breath of heaven. I’m believing He’ll do the same for me.

 MARY’S SONG FOR MOMS

My soul praises the Lord.
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of this mom; me, his servant . . . 
my children will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for our family.
He has shown us mercy from
generation to generation,
because we love and honor him.
His mighty hand has done amazing things!
He protects my spirit from that which tries to rob my peace.
He satisfies my longing, according to my needs.
I rest in confidence knowing that through Him
our promise of peace in the present and
hope for the future is secure.

Adapted from Luke 1:46-55

Merry Christmas, mamas! Praying for YOU to feel the peace of His presence and the magic of His miracle as you enJOY Christmas.

_{This post originally appeared at Gather & Grow.}