In December, I had the opportunity to visit my family in New York City. The pandemic had prevented me from visiting for three years. I was looking forward to walking the concrete streets of the “City that Never Sleeps.” What better time to visit than during the Christmas season? The city is decorated festively and lit up with lights. The people even seemed nicer. They had their hands full carrying bags filled with merchandise. The people were going from one crowded store to another. Ah, yes, Christmas in the city.

However, underneath all the flash and glitter, I could see in the eyes of those whom I walked pass that there was stress. Everyone is rushing around from one subway station to the next. I could feel this stress all around me. Wasn’t this December? Wasn't Christmas just around the corner? Weren’t people getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Christmas should not be a time of stress; however, stress has crept in and is associated with the season. The stress of shopping and finding the perfect gift. The stress of cleaning and getting homes ready for visits from relatives. The stress of preparing the perfect meal.

What would it be like if everyone took a step back and breathed a long breath in and out? Then say this short prayer, “I want to experience how Christmas should be celebrated. I want to lay my burdens, in this case, stress, on You, Lord Jesus, and You can give me rest.” Jesus shared: “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

The prayer does not need to be just for the Christmas season, but also for the start of this new year. Can we take this step to lay our burdens at Jesus’ feet and allow Him to carry each of us through each day? Each week? Each month? For the whole year?

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”