A Simple Christmas: Returning to What Matters Most

By Viviana Muñoz, the Spanish Campus Associate Pastor  

Recently, I have been learning more and more about the gift of slowing down and enjoying simple moments. This year, in particular, it has become clear to me how easily our schedules can fill up with commitments, events, gatherings, and endless activities.  It can feel like a whirlwind of giving and receiving. Our cups seem to be full and overflowing, and yet we can still find ourselves feeling unexpectedly empty. 

I constantly reflect on Psalm 90:13 NAS, "So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom”. For me, numbering my days means enjoying life to the fullest. Not because of how much I do or how many activities I can fit in, but because of the quality of what I choose, and how those moments fill my heart and draw me closer to God. 

So…what if we returned to a more straightforward way of celebrating this season? Fewer activities, slower days, meaningful conversations, and gatherings that truly celebrate Jesus. What if we return to the essence of relationships? Loving God and loving others. What if we enjoy a simple Christmas by making room for the actual reason of the season: Jesus. 

Jesus in our homes. 

Jesus in our conversations. 

Jesus is in the way we treat others. 

Jesus in our hearts. 

What if we chose fewer things and made more space for peaceful days? What if we filled our homes with God's presence and were fully present with one another? What if this Christmas we looked each other in the eyes again, listened deeply, put our phones away, and made memories for the heart, not just for the photos or social media, but built and nurtured in intimacy. What if we stopped filling our calendars with commitments and started filling our hearts with gratitude? What if we slowed down enough to enjoy life again? 

When Jesus becomes the center of Christmas, simplicity and joy naturally follow. When we make Jesus the focus, Christmas becomes less about managing expectations and more about receiving the gift of God, Emmanuel, who reminds us that we are never alone. This season, let’s release the pressure behind that tiring question, “What do I need to accomplish?” when navigating all the gifts, invitations, plans, activities, and commitments that fill our calendars. 

What if we began by asking in prayer: "Jesus, where are You inviting me to slow down, to listen, and to love?" When we give Jesus first place, our priorities shift. Suddenly, not every party feels necessary, not every tradition feels urgent, and not every expectation has to feel like a burden. 

 

What A Simple Rhythm to Invite Jesus Into This Season Could Look Like 

1. A Weekly Family Devotional 

Create space once a week to pause together. Sit in the living room with cookies or snacks, read a chapter from Luke, ask questions, and pray. These small moments create deep spiritual roots. 

2. Choosing One Meaningful Service Project 

Pray about one or two families who are new in your community. Invite them for dinner and celebrate Jesus together. Acts of hospitality bless others and your own family. 

3. Limiting Activities with Intention 

Saying "no" is powerful. Say no to activities that take away from connection and rest. Choose traditions and gatherings that bring joy and draw your heart closer to Jesus. 

4. Creating Small Moments of Worship 

Fill your home with worship. Let your children choose their favourite Christmas or worship songs and sing together. Worship sets the tone for the entire household. 

Hope for Families This Christmas 

My prayer this season is that families would run not toward overwhelming activities, but toward a more profound sense of God's nearness. Jesus came close to us; He already paid the price. Let's enjoy this season not by chasing more, but with the joy and freedom of knowing we already have everything we need in Him. 

Less filled schedules, more filled hearts. Less pressure, more presence. 

May we encounter Jesus in new and meaningful ways as we celebrate His coming. 

May His peace fill every home this Christmas.