The Silly Season
The Christmas cheer turns quickly to Christmas fear
Reference: v.31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Explore: I don’t know what the Christmas season is like for you, but it’s always CRAZY for me.
I know that this is the time that we should remember the most amazing gift that God ever gave us in His Son, however, it seems everyone else would like us to be thinking about other things.
Here in Australia it is not just Christmas time but it’s the end of the calendar year, our school year, and everything seems to be winding down for our Summer holidays. Everything seems to end around Christmas time.
So while we are racing around getting Christmas presents and food, we are also attending graduations, planning holidays and concluding all projects for the end of the year. The Christmas cheer turns quickly to Christmas fear… will I get everything done in time?
Application: As we lead up to the final week before Christmas it has been nice reading through the gospel of Mark. Mark actually skips the nativity scene and heads straight into Jesus’ ministry. While he may not mention the angels and shepherds, reading about Jesus’ mission has given me a good perspective on Christmas.
Yes, the birth of Christ is definitely something to celebrate, however, we are joyous because we know what is to come. It is through the way Jesus lived his life that we learn more about God and how He would have us live.
In Mark 6 Jesus is incredibly busy. He has great demands on his shoulders and everywhere He turns He is confronted by the needs of the people. And yet, He still sees the importance of rest.
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
These words of Christ are important for us to hear today as well. No matter what we are doing, Jesus reminds us that it is essential for us to stop and rest. The need will always be there, but finding peace in Christ is essential for our daily living.
Prayer: Lord, so often I soldier on thinking that I can do all things in my own strength. May I draw close to You to find my rest. Amen.
Where do you find your quiet place to get some rest in Christ?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.