Advent Week 1: Rest for a Weary Heart

There’s something about December that carries both excitement and exhaustion. We want to make it special, meaningful, Christ-centered… but we’re also just tired.

Like deep-down, bone-level tired.

And Jesus sees that.

He doesn’t stand far off waiting for you to “pull it together.”

He draws close and whispers, “Come rest.”

Advent isn’t about doing more.

It’s not about perfect plans, perfect traditions, or perfect moments.

It’s about making room — in your heart, your home, your schedule, and your spirit — for the One who brings real rest.

And if you’re feeling weary, mama?

This is your reminder that Jesus didn’t come for the polished, put-together version of you. He came for the tired mama trying her best. He came for the heart that feels overwhelmed. He came for the home that’s a little messy and the spirit that’s stretched thin.

Rest doesn’t have to be dramatic.

It can be:

• lighting a candle and breathing deeply

• reading one verse and letting it be enough

• saying no to the extra outing

• quieting the noise

• cuddling the kids and calling it connection time

• going to bed early

• giving grace freely — to them, and to yourself

God isn’t asking you to hustle into Christmas.

He’s asking you to come.

Just as you are.

Just where you are.

Just how you are.

So as Advent begins, let this be your gentle invitation into rest.

Real rest.

Jesus rest.

The kind that fills the spaces you didn’t even realize were empty.

A quiet prayer for this week:

“Lord, meet me where I am. Help me slow down, breathe deeply, and find Your rest in the middle of my everyday life. Calm my heart and steady my spirit.”

And if you’re journaling along, here’s something to think about:

Where do I need God’s rest the most right now?

You’re not alone in this. You’re not behind. You’re held — fully, gently, completely.