A Simpler, Sacred Christmas
Just as I put away the last dish from our Thanksgiving feast, my heart skips a beat as everything in me—spirit, soul, and even body—turns toward Christmas. The first spark of Christmas joy leaps within me.
This season carries so many emotions—anticipation, delight, joy, and excitement. There is simply no other time like it. Christmas is special. It’s holy--anointed by God.
I love the familiar rituals that return every year: climbing into the attic to pull out the decorations, setting up the Christmas tree, placing the nativity on the mantle, slipping into our festive clothes, and attending Christmas teas, concerts, and performances.
Everywhere we turn, there’s a sense of joy. “Joy to the World” really does describe what we feel filling our hearts.
And over it all, the Spirit hovers—opening our hearts wider to God. Scripture seems to speak more clearly. Candlelit church services feel richer. The carols that play in our cars, our kitchens, and the stores nourish our spirits as we shop, decorate, prepare meals, or bake cookies.
There’s a sacredness in the air—a holiness that feels almost tangible. In my own quiet time, I find myself longing for something different—I want my eyes to be opened to the gift of my Savior. I want to receive the gift of Advent. I don’t want it to slip by like every other month. I don’t want to miss it.
Advent means “coming.” It begins four Sundays before Christmas, often falling on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
During Advent ...
“Christians around the world pause to remember the longings of God’s people, to reflect on our own deep need for a Savior, and to renew our hope in Christ—who has come, is coming, and will come again.” Chat GPT, believe it or not:)
My hunger to savor the Savior is strong this year. A few weeks ago, Advent resources started coming across my path — books, devotionals, and podcasts —and I ordered the one that called to me.
Yesterday, feeling like a preschooler waiting for dawn on Christmas morning, I pulled out my Advent devotional and my list of upcoming Christmas events. I was just about to get out my planner and start packing my days and my quiet tine fuller than other times of the year—when the Holy Spirit gently stopped me.
“Hold on, dear child.”
He led me out to the prayer cabin and prompted me to lay my hands on my calendar and Advent devotional, pause, and pray, “Ok, Lord—please speak to me. I’m listening. What do You want me to hear?”
Two words came immediately: “Joy” and “Savor.”
I knew what He meant. Not to pack the season so full, but to filter the month’s festivities and my quiet time with those two words. To let joy lead. To savor, not gorge.
A few shifts I sensed the Spirit inviting me to make:
Read my Advent devotional at a savoring pace, not rushing to finish by Christmas, or feeling like I needed to complete the whole book, but savoring each delectable bite.
Release the perfectionism around gifts. It’s not about extravagance, but love.
Simplify the decorating. Let beauty remain, but let striving go.
Enjoy each event and festivity, receiving the essence of the Savior, meaningful conversations, and the people that you’re sharing them with.
I’m so thankful the Spirit invited me to pause before I plowed ahead. Those two little words—Joy and Savor—will shape everything for me this Advent.
If you’re feeling that first spark of Christmas joy too… that longing to savor the Savior… join me. Pull out your calendar and Advent resource. Lay your hands on them and whisper:
“Lord, what do You want me to hear?”
And then listen.
The Spirit, our Helper, will faithfully guide.
Preparing Your Heart for 2026!
There’s something about the holiday season that turns our thoughts not only to Thanksgiving and Christmas but also to the New Year. Even in the middle of baking, decorating, and gathering, we start to think about the year that’s coming to a close and dream, plan, and pray for the year ahead.
Though you may not have much time to think about it now, if you’re longing to walk more closely with God in 2026, this might be the perfect moment to download the Introduction and Chapter 1 of Journey with a Giant and see if God might be inviting you to walk with a spiritual giant in the new year.
You can read just a few pages now, tuck it away while you enjoy the Christmas season, and return to it again before New Year’s as you listen for God’s leading.
Click here for your free Sneak Peek ...
What early readers are saying ...
“Lori Melton brilliantly recovers and reshapes an ancient practice for contemporary Christians craving fuller engagement with their faith… a deeply meaningful and doable path.”
—Leslie Leyland Fields, author of Nearing a Far God
“This book offers a profound sense of adventure and wonder that has enriched my spiritual journey. Read it prayerfully and experience God’s transformative power for yourself.”
—Sherri Willett, church leader and homemaker
“An authentic author who encourages us to take the next steps in our walk with Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this book for any fellow seeker of Jesus Christ and the Way.”
—Perry Gabbard
Advent Resources Worth Noticing:
Untangled Advent-Finding Hope in a Weary World by Megan Nilsen - A gentle, reflective guide inviting you to slow down and notice God’s presence in the middle of the season.
Unhurried Advent by Alan & Gem Fadling - A free 25-day resource from the Unhurried Living ministry, to help you cultivate an unhurried heart as you prepare for Christmas.
Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for Advent Devotional Cards by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere. Fresh experience of celebrating the birth of Jesus with 15 characters from the Biblical story of the Savior’s birth.