Does anyone else feel the tension and anxiety that creeps in during the holiday season? Maybe it’s a desire to get everyone together, have that perfect meal, find just the right gift, or create an idealistic family event. If that weren’t enough pressure, then there is Black Friday and all the sales. You don’t want to miss out!

But it’s no longer just Black Friday anymore. There is also Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. Now I like the idea of giving Tuesday, I’m just saying all the emails and promotions can get overwhelming. (Of course not any that come from TCI. 🙂 ) And have you noticed, like I did this year, the urgings to not miss on the sales and deals is starting earlier and lasting longer.  Maybe you better get back to those great deals instead of reading this blog. You don’t want to miss out!

Even living in Guatemala, I can feel the pressure to buy, to spend, and to create that perfect holiday experience: The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in the holiday season.  What are we really searching and hoping for?

Now don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday season. I just have realized if I’m not careful there are things during this time of year that can lead me away from where I really want to be, where I want to focus, and what I want to do. I want to be walking in the peace and Joy of His presence, focusing on being grateful and present, and I want to rejoice and celebrate the birth of our Savior with family and friends.

So if you’re feeling any of the anxiety and pressure related to the holidays that have nothing to do with giving thanks or looking expectantly for our soon and coming King, then maybe these verses will help you return to looking to Him. Let’s let go of all the other distractions of this season. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas filled with His love and grace. May you find joy and rest in Him.

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:30-33 NLT)

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NLT)

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. (Psalm 28:7 NLT)

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. (Luke 2:6-7 NLT)

What other verses would you add to this list?