Whew, Christmas Can Be Exhausting

Whew, Christmas Can Be Exhausting

December 20, 2017 by

Christmas is so exhausting, isn’t it?

Don’t you kind of love it, though? Not just Christmas itself, but even the crazy-busyness of Christmastime as a church communicator?

You do too! I just know you do!

OK, OK. Maybe you don’t love it right this second—especially if you’re reading this at 3 a.m. while you’re waiting for a video to render. But I’m willing to bet that sometime in the next few days, even as you’re chugging your fourth energy drink and trying to remember when you last ate, your heart will break wide open with the joy of it all.

Why?

Because Emmanuel. God is with us.

And because of you and the ridiculous number of hours you’ve put in this season, people will be reminded of that. In fact, it’s pretty likely someone who has only ever thought of God as distant and aloof will understand, for the first time ever, that God is near. He’s here. He’s now. He’s always.

Goodness gracious. That’s goosebump material right there.

If you’re rolling your eyes right now, I get it. Maybe this season has been particularly rough on you. Maybe you’re this close to calling it quits. Maybe in your heart, you already have. Just hold on, OK? Try to breathe and get some sleep and eat something other than sugar. And after all your Christmas services are done, get still.

Really still.

Imagine peeking around the corner of that barn (or cave, if you’re one of those historically accurate types). Feel your breath catch as you see a glimpse of tiny toes. Turn toward the spontaneous chorus. Kneel down with the shepherds. Allow yourself to get lost—even for just a moment—in the wonder of it all.

As a church communicator, the Christmas season is just so hard.

But Christmas itself? Christmas is magical.

Peace to you.

More:

If you need help finding peace as a church communicator—at Christmastime or any time—Courageous Storytellers can help. We have resources to make your job a little less maddening and a community of people who get it. Learn more about membership today.

Post By:

Kelley Hartnett


Kelley Hartnett spent more than a decade working in established churches and helping to launch new ones. She recently launched Tall Tree Collective, which helps nonprofits craft messages that inspire people to get behind their cause. Kelley formerly served as the membership director for our Courageous Storytellers Membership Site and is the author of You've Got This: A Pep Talk for Church Communicators.
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