11/19/2025
The holiday season is approaching. Dinners with family and friends, Christmas lights, gifts, trips, and much more—but sometimes this can be overwhelming and put a strain on marriage and family. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays are beautiful and exciting, but they can also be stressful, bringing arguments, disagreements, debt, and so on. We want these holidays to be a season of happiness and peace, where above all else we put God first in everything, are understanding of one another, and are wise.
Gifts and material things aren't everything and shouldn't be the cause of a mental or financial crisis. Remember that Thanksgiving is for giving thanks for what you already have: God's provision, your family, and your health. Christmas is about Jesus Christ, who came into the world to bring us light and salvation; everything else is just extra. Reflect on how these holidays could be less stressful and what you could do to contribute to peace and harmony. Perhaps you'll need to think before you speak and consider whether it's worth arguing over something insignificant, or you might need to create a budget to avoid going broke or into debt, or perhaps it will be about apologizing, taking time off from commitments, and spending peaceful time with your family.
We individually make these seasons overwhelming, but the Lord asks us not to be anxious, but to give thanks and depend on Him.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your thoughtfulness shine before others, for the Lord is coming soon. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
We wish you a blessed season, filled with peace and love during these holidays.
